A man who had practical knowledge of agriculture, and some thousands of ready money, might bring the rental up to eight thousand or so.Of course, Osborne will try and marry some one with money; the family is old and well-established, and he mustn't object to commercial descent, though I daresay the squire will for him; but then the young fellow himself is not the man for the work.No! the family's going down fast; and it's pity when these old Saxon houses vanish off the land; but it is "kismet" with the Hamleys.Even the senior wrangler - if it is that Roger Hamley - he will have spent all his brains in one effort.You never hear of a senior wrangler being worth anything afterwards.He'll be a Fellow of his college, of course - that will be a livelihood for him at any rate.' 'I believe in senior wranglers,' said Cynthia, her clear high voice ringing through the room.'And from all I've heard of Mr Roger Hamley, I believe he will keep up the distinction he has earned.And I don't believe that the house of Hamley is so near extinction in wealth and fame, and good name.' 'They are fortunate in having Miss Kirkpatrick's good word,' said Mr Preston, rising to take his leave.'Dear Molly,' said Cynthia, in a whisper, 'I know nothing about your friends the Hamleys, except that they are your friends, and what you have told me about them.But I won't have that man speaking of them so - and your eyes filling with tears all the time.I'd sooner swear to their having all the talents and good fortune under the sun.' The only person of whom Cynthia appeared to be wholesomely afraid was Mr Gibson.When he was present she was more careful in speaking, and showed more deference to her mother.Her evident respect for Mr Gibson, and desire for his good opinion, made her curb herself before him; and in this manner she earned his good favour as a lively, sensible girl, with just so much knowledge of the world as made her a very desirable companion to Molly.
Indeed, she made something of the same kind of impression on all men.They were first struck with her personal appearance; and then with her pretty deprecating manner, which appealed to them much as if she had said, 'You are wise, and I am foolish - have mercy on my folly.' It was a way she had; it meant nothing really; and she was hardly conscious of it herself;but it was very captivating all the same.Even old Williams, the gardener, felt it; he said to his confidante, Molly, - 'Eh, miss, but that be a rare young lady! She do have such pretty coaxing ways.I be to teach her to bud roses come the season - and I'll warrant ye she'll learn to be sharp enough, for all she says she bees so stupid.' If Molly had not had the sweetest disposition in the world she might have become jealous of all the allegiance laid at Cynthia's feet; but she never thought of comparing the amount of admiration and love which they each received.Yet once she did feel a little as if Cynthia were poaching on her manor.The invitation to the quiet dinner had been sent to Osborne Hamley, and declined by him.But he thought it right to call soon afterwards.
It was the first time Molly had seen any of the family since she left the Hall, since Mrs Hamley's death; and there was so much that she wanted to ask.She tried to wait patiently till Mrs Gibson had exhausted the first gush of her infinite nothings; and then Molly came in with her modest questions.
How was the squire? Had he returned to his old habits? Had his health suffered?