"No, not precisely. I shall see in a day or two."
"But you promised him an answer long before this."
"Ah," slightingly spoke Mr. Chattaway. "It's not always convenient to keep one's promises."
"Why are you holding off?"
"Well, for one thing, I thought of retaining that farm in my own hands, and keeping a bailiff to look after it."
"Then you'll burn your fingers, James Chattaway. Those who manage the Upland Farm should live at the Upland Farm. You can't properly manage both places, that and Trevlyn Hold; and you live at Trevlyn Hold. I don't see why you should not let it to George Ryle."
Mr. Chattaway sat biting the end of his pen. Miss Diana waited; but he did not speak, and she resumed.
"I believe he will do well on it. One who has done so much with that small place, Trevlyn Farm, and its indifferent land, will not fail to do well on the Upland. Let him have it, Chattaway."
"You speak as if you were interested in the matter," remarked Mr. Chattaway, resentfully.
"I am not sure but I am," equably answered Miss Diana. "I see no reason why you should not let him the farm; for there's no doubt he will prove a good tenant. He has spoken to me about its involving something more, should he obtain it," she continued, after a pause.