Why, then, did not Mr. Jones foreclose the mortgage instantly and gratify his resentment? Because in the instrument there was a proviso requiring a notice of four weeks.
However, he felt that it would make little difference.
“They can’t raise the money in four weeks,” he reflected. “There’s nobody round here who will lend them the money, and they don’t know anybody anywhere else.”
So, on the whole, he was satisfied. Four weeks would soon pass, and then his thirst for revenge would be sated.
“What makes you so sober, my boy?” asked the hermit when Robert made his regular call upon him the next day.
“I feel anxious,” answered the boy.
“But why need you? You told me your uncle did very little for the family. I think you will be able to take care of your aunt. If not, I will help you more.”
“Thank you, sir; you are very kind. But we thought when you called the other day that we owned the house and would have no rent to pay.”
“Were you mistaken about this?” asked the hermit quickly.
“It seems so. Mr. Jones, the tavern keeper, has a mortgage on the property and threatens to foreclose in four weeks unless the money is paid. Of course, we can’t pay him, and I suppose we shall be turned out.”