But he did not at all believe in the sincerity of her advice as to their uncle. His heart was throbbing with the desire to secure the inheritance to himself,--and so he thought, no doubt, was hers as to herself. It might be that the old man's intention would depend upon his obedience, and if so, it was certainly necessary that the old man should know that he had been obedient. Of course, he would tell the old man what he had done. But he said not a word till Isabel had gone. He did take her advice about the land and the tenants, but hardly to much effect. If there were a falling roof here or a half-hung door there, he displayed his zeal by telling the Squire of these defaults. But the Squire hated to hear of such defaults. It must be acknowledged that it would have required a man of very great parts to have given satisfaction in the position in which this young man was placed. But as soon as Isabel was gone he declared his obedience. "I have asked her, sir, and she has refused me," he said in a melancholy, low, and sententious voice. "What did you expect?" "At any rate, I did as you would have me." "Was she to jump down your throat when you asked her?" "She was very decided,--very. Of course, I spoke of your wishes." "I have not any wishes." "I thought that you desired it." "So I did, but I have changed my mind. It would not do at all. I almost wonder how you could have had the courage to ask her. I don't suppose that you have the insight to see that she is different from other girls." "Oh, yes; I perceived that." "And yet you would go and ask her to be your wife off-hand, just as though you were going to buy a horse! I suppose you told her that it would be a good thing because of the estate?" "I did mention it," said the young man, altogether astounded and put beyond himself by his uncle's manner and words. "Yes; just as if it were a bargain! If you will consent to put up with me as a husband, why, then you can go shares with me in the property. That was the kind of thing, wasn't it? And then you come and tell me that you have done your duty by making the offer!" The heir expectant was then convinced that it would have been better for him to have followed the advice which Isabel had given him, but yet he could not bring himself to believe that the advice had been disinterested. Why should Isabel have given him disinterested advice in opposition to her own prospects? Must not Isabel's feeling about the property be the same as his own? CHAPTER IV The Squire's Death With a sore heart Isabel went her way to Hereford,--troubled because she saw nothing but sorrow and vexation in store for her uncle. "I know that I am getting weaker every day," he said. And yet it was not long since he had spoken of living for two years. "Shall I stay?" asked Isabel. "No; that would be wrong. You ought to go to your father. I suppose that I shall live till you come back." "Oh, Uncle Indefer!"