“And I might have more children!” laughed Richard. “But that has nothing to do with it. The thing is this: the land itself I could give out and out, but the land has the people. God did not give us the land for our own sakes only, but for theirs too. The men and women upon it are my brothers and sisters, and I have to see to them. Now I know that you are liked by our people, and that you have claims to be liked by them, and therefore believe you will consider them as well as yourself or the land--though at the same time I shall protect them with the terms of the deed. But suppose at your death it should go to Percy! Should I not then feel that I had betrayed my people, a very Judas of landlords? Never fellow-creature of mine will I put in the danger of a scoundrel like him!” “He is my brother!” “And mine. I know him; I was at Oxford with him! Not one foothold shall he ever have on land of mine! When he wants to work, let him come to me--not till then!” “You will not say that to my mother!” “I will say nothing to your mother.--Do you accept my offer?” “I will think over it.” “Do,” said Richard, and turned to go. “Will you not settle something on Victoria?” said Arthur. “We shall see what she turns out by the time she is of age! I don't want to waste money!” “What do you mean by wasting money?” “Giving it where it will do no good.” “God gives to the bad as well as the good?” “It is one thing to give to the bad, and another to give where it will do no good. God knows the endless result; I should know but the first link of its chain. I must act by the knowledge granted me. God may give money in punishment: should I dare do that?” “Well, you're quite beyond me!” “Never mind, then. What you and I have to do is to be friends, and work together. You will find I mean well!” “I believe you do, Richard; but we don't somehow seem to be in the same world.” “If we are true, that will not keep us apart. If we both work for the good of the people, we must come together.” “To tell you the truth, Richard, knowing you had given me the land, I could not put up with interference. I am afraid we should quarrel, and then I should seem ungrateful.” “What would you say to our managing the estates together for a year or two? Would not that be the way to understand each other?” “Perhaps. I must think about it.” “That is right. Only don't let us begin with suspicion. You did me more than one kindness not knowing I was your brother! And you sent back Miss Brown.” “That was mere honesty.” “Strictly considered, it was more. My father had a right to take the mare from me, and at his death she came into your possession. I thank you for sending her to Barbara.” Arthur turned away.