"Say on!" quoth the captain, opening his eyes at the beneficent prospect.
Master Jerningham depicted his small inheritance of neglected fields and crazy house in as favourable colours as he could safely use. The captain, dissembling not his satisfaction, averred he could wear the gold chain of stewardship as well as another man. An agreement was struck upon the spot; Jerningham imparted the general details, and said he would have the necessary writings made, and full instructions drawn up, within a few days; meanwhile, he desired the new steward to install himself in the house at once.
"Marry, a bite and a sup, and I am ready," cried Ravenshaw, gaily; then suddenly remembered his promise to meet the goldsmith's daughter that evening. "Nay, I forgot; I have some affairs to settle. I cannot go before to-morrow."
Jerningham, whose purpose had been so happily met by the captain's readiness, lost his gratified look.
"Oh, a plague on your affairs! You must go to-day," he said.
Ravenshaw shook his head. "I cannot go till to-morrow, and there's an end on't!"
Jerningham sighed with suppressed vexation. He dared not urge lest he arouse suspicion. It was too late to back out of the bargain without betraying himself. Moreover, to get the captain away on the morrow was better than nothing.
"Well, well; look to your affairs, then. But go early to-morrow."
Ravenshaw pondered a few moments. "I will start at noon, not before."
"But you must be at the Grange by four o'clock; I have given my word to the people there."