"And you impose no condition?" he sobbed at length.
"No, I impose no condition. If the thing is to be done, let it be done freely."
"You unman me altogether," the squire said, with brimming eyes. "I did not expect, I really didn't. I have no claim, and I've been beastly hard on you. I know I have, and I'm sorry, real sorry, mind you; and if—if——"
"We'll let the 'ifs' go for the present, if you don't mind," Ralph said, with a dry laugh. "There are a good many present difficulties to be met. I should like to see your agreement with the money-lenders."
"You shall see everything. If you can only get me out of this hole you will make me the most thankful man alive!"
Ralph smiled dubiously.
"When can I see the papers?" he asked.
"To-day if you like. They are at the Manor."
"Very good. I will walk across after tea, or will you fetch them here?"
"If it would not be troubling you to walk so far——"