CHAPTER VIII.
AT CHESNUT HILL.
We return to Garley's Hotel at the conclusion of the sale.
Philip Stanburne had recognized the Colonel, and gone up to him to shake hands. He had not seen him before since the downfall of the Sootythorn Bank, though he had written a very feeling letter, in which he had begged his friend to make use of Stanithburn Peel so long as he might care to remain in Yorkshire. Indeed the Colonel had received many such letters.
Mr. Stedman, on looking about for Philip, saw him with the Colonel, and joined them.
"Where are you staying, Colonel Stanburne?" asked Mr. Stedman.
"I have been staying with my mother lately at Wenderholme Cottage. I have persuaded her to remain there. It is better, I think, that an old lady should not be obliged to change all her habits. I hope the new owner will allow her to remain. She will have very good neighbors in the Prigleys. I gave the living of Wenderholme to Mr. Prigley when the old vicar died, about three months since. He used to be the incumbent of Shayton."
"It will be a great advance for Mr. Prigley. Shayton was a poor living, but I have heard that Wenderholme is much better."
"Wenderholme is worth seven hundred a-year. The Prigleys have been very poor for many years, with their numerous family and the small income they had at Shayton. I am very glad," the Colonel added, with rather a melancholy smile, "that I was able to do this for them before my own ill-luck overtook me. A few months later I should have missed the chance."
"Do you return to Wenderholme to-night? It is late, is it not?"