"I think so. As for the bulk sum, I have already written to Carey about that. No time ought to be lost. There is no knowing what might happen. He might die." "He doesn't look like dying, sir." "He might break his neck out hunting. There is no knowing. At any rate there should be no delay. From what I am told I don't think that with the timber and all they'll make it come to another L5,000; but he shall have that. As he has behaved well, I'll show him that I can behave well too. I've half a mind to go up to London, and stay till it's all through." "You'd only worry yourself." "I should worry myself, no doubt. And do you know, I love the place so much better than I did, that I can hardly bear to tear myself away from it. The first mark of my handiwork, now that I can work, shall be put upon Darvell's farm. I'll have the old place about his ears before I am a day older." "You'll not get it through before winter." "Yes, I will. If it costs me an extra L50 I shan't begrudge it. It shall be a sort of memorial building, a farmhouse of thanksgiving. I'll make it as snug a place as there is about the property. It has made me wretched for these two years." "I hope all that kind of wretchedness will be over now." "Thank God;--yes. I was looking at Brownriggs to-day,--and Ingram's. I don't think we'll sell either. I have a plan, and I think we can pull through without it. It is so much easier to sell than to buy." "You'd be more comfortable if you sold one of them." "Of course I must borrow a few thousands;--but why not? I doubt whether at this moment there's a property in all Hampshire so free as this. I have always lived on less than the income, and I can continue to do so easier than before. You are provided for now, old fellow." "Yes, indeed;--and why should you pinch yourself?" "I shan't be pinched. I haven't got a score of women about me, as you'll have before long. There's nothing in the world like having a wife. I am quite sure of that. But if you want to save money, the way to do it is not to have a nursery. You'll marry, of course, now?" "I suppose I shall some day." "The sooner the better. Take my word for it." "Perhaps you'd alter your opinion if I came upon you before Christmas for your sanction." "No, by Jove; that I shouldn't. I should be delighted. You don't mean to say you've got anybody in your eye. There's only one thing I ask, Ralph;--open out-and-out confidence." "You shall have it, sir." "There is somebody, then." "Well; no; there isn't anybody. It would be impudence in me to say there was."