“And shouldering out the old gentry? Ay, damme, and I see it too,” the Squire retorted, taking the word out of his mouth. “I see plenty of it. And you think to be one of them, do you? To join them and be another Peel, or one of Pitt’s money-bag peers? That’s in your mind, is it? A Mr. Coutts? And to buy out my lord and drive your coach and four into Aldersbury, and splash dirt over better men than yourself?” “I should be not the less a Griffin.” “A Griffin with dirty hands!” with contempt. “That’s what you’d be. And vote Radical and prate of Reform and scorn the land that bred you. And talk of the Rights of Men and money-bags, eh? That’s your notion, is it, by G—d?” “Of course, sir, if you look at it in that way——” “That’s the way I do look at it!” The Squire brought down his hand on the table with a force that shook the glasses and spilled some of his wine. “And it’s the way you’ve got to look at it, or there won’t be much between you and me—or you and mine. Or mine, do you hear! I’ll have no tradesman at Garth and none of that way of thinking. So you’d best give heed before it’s too late. You’d best look at it all ways.” “Very well, sir.” “Any more wine?” “No, thank you.” Arthur’s head was high. He did not lack spirit. “Then hear my last word. I won’t have it! That’s plain. That’s plain, and now you know. And, hark ye, as you go out, send Peacock to me.” But before Arthur had made his way out, the Squire’s voice was heard, roaring for Josina. When Miss Peacock presented herself, “Not you! Who the devil wants you?” he stormed. “Send the girl! D’you hear? Send the girl!” And when Josina, scared and trembling, came in her turn, “Shut the door!” he commanded. “And listen! I’ve had a talk with that puppy, who thinks that he knows more than his betters. D—n his impertinence, coming into my pew when he thought I was elsewhere! But I know very well why he came, young woman, sneaking in to sit beside you and make sheep’s eyes when my back was turned. Now, do you listen to me. You’ll keep him at arm’s length. Do you hear, Miss? You’ll have nothing to say to him unless I give you leave. He’s got to do with me now, and it depends on me whether there’s any more of it. I know what he wants, but by G—d, I’m your father, and if he does not mend his manners, he goes to the right-about. So let me hear of no more billing and cooing and meeting in pews, unless I give the word! D’you understand, girl?” “But I think you’re mistaken, sir,” poor Jos ventured. “I don’t think that he means——” “I know what he means. And so do you. But never you mind! Till I say the word there’s an end of it. The puppy, with his Peels and his peers! Men my father wouldn’t have—but there, you understand now, and you’ll obey, or I’ll know the reason why!” “Then he’s not to come to Garth, sir?” But the Squire checked at that. Family feeling and the pride of hospitality were strong in him, and to forbid his only nephew the family house went beyond his mind at present.