"Get the other mortgages wiped off the deeds and I have no objection to lend you the money on the security of the house and land," said the gentleman. At that remark Hugh Ritson bowed his head and appeared satisfied.
He rang for breakfast.
"Ask Mr. Paul if he is ready," he said, when Dinah brought the tray.
"Master Paul is abed, sir," said Dinah; and then she added for herself: "It caps all—sec feckless wark. It dudn't use to be so, for sure. I'll not say but a man may be that changed in a twelvemonth—"
"Ah, I'll go to him myself," said Hugh; and begging to be excused, he left the room.
Mr. Bonnithorne followed him to the other side of the door.
"Have you counted the cost?" he asked. "It will be a public scandal."
Hugh smiled, and answered with composure:
"Whose will be the loss?"
"God knows!" said the lawyer, with sudden energy.