"I apprehend," said the squire to his brother-in-law the next morning, "that we shall get the farm at our own price."
"I hope we shall, squire," said the poor relative, deferentially. "I suppose this man Nelson is sorry to part with it."
"Of course; he charges me with meanness, oppressing the poor, and so on; but of course I don't mind that. It's a matter of business; as I told him."
"To be sure."
"I am not to be moved by sentimental considerations. Business is business; but he won't see it in that light."
"You consider the farm worth considerable more than the amount of the mortgage, of course?"
"It is worth four thousand dollars, in my opinion," said the squire, complacently.
"If you get it for twenty-two hundred, it will be an excellent bargain."
"Father," exclaimed Sinclair, entering the breakfast-room, rather hurriedly, "Tom Nelson has got home."
"Where did you hear this, my son?" asked Squire Hudson, in surprise.