From that time his residence under his uncle’s roof had been more permanent. If not altogether liked by the young lady, he had made himself welcome to her father, by means seldom known to fail.
The planter, once rich, was now poor. Extravagance had reduced his estate to a hopeless indebtedness. With his nephew, the order was reversed: once poor, he was now rich. Chance had made him so. Under the circumstances, it was not surprising, that money had passed between them.
In his native place, and among his old neighbours, Woodley Poindexter still commanded sufficient homage to shield him from the suspicion of being under his nephew; as also to restrain the latter from exhibiting the customary arrogance of the creditor.
It was only after the move into Texas, that their relations began to assume that peculiar character observable between mortgagor and mortgagee.
It grew more patent, after several attempts at love-making on the part of Calhoun, with corresponding repulses on the part of Louise.
The planter had now a better opportunity of becoming acquainted with the true character of his nephew; and almost every day; since their arrival at Casa del Corvo, had this been developing itself to his discredit.
Calhoun’s quarrel with the mustanger, and its ending, had not strengthened his uncle’s respect for him; though, as a kinsman, he was under the necessity of taking sides with him.
There had occurred other circumstances to cause a change in his feelings—to make him, notwithstanding its many advantages, dislike the connection.
Alas! there was much also to render it, if not agreeable, at least not to be slightingly set aside.
Indecision—perhaps more than the sorrow for his son’s loss dictated the character of his reply.