For the second time that morning the Squire looked up with the sharp and searching gaze he occasionally assumed, and for the second time his instinct, for he was too heady a man to reason overmuch, came into play and warned him that in making this offer Edward Cossey had other motives than those which he had brought forward.  He paused to consider what they might be.  Was he anxious to get the estate for himself?  Was he put forward by somebody else?  Quest, perhaps; or was it something to do with Ida?  The first alternative seemed the most probable to him.  But whatever the lender’s object, the result to him was the same, it gave him a respite.  For Mr. de la Molle well knew that he had no more chance of raising the money from an ordinary source, than he had of altering the condition of agriculture.

“Hum,” he said, “this is an important matter, a most important matter.  I presume, Mr. Cossey, that before making this definite offer you have consulted a legal adviser.”

“Oh yes, I have done all that and am quite satisfied with the security —­an advance of thirty thousand charged on all the Honham Castle estates at four per cent.  The question now is if you are prepared to consent to the transfer.  In that case all the old charges on the property will be paid off, and Mr. Quest, who will act for me in the matter, will prepare a single deed charging the estate for the round total.”

“Ah yes, the plan seems a satisfactory one, but of course in so important a matter I should prefer to consult my legal adviser before giving a final answer, indeed I think that it would be better if the whole affair were carried out in a proper and formal way?”

“Surely, surely, Mr. de la Molle,” said the younger man with some irritation, for the old gentleman’s somewhat magnificent manner rather annoyed him, which under the circumstances was not unnatural.  “Surely you do not want to consult a legal adviser to make up your mind as to whether or no you will allow a foreclosure.  I offer you the money at four per cent.  Cannot you let me have an answer now, yes or no?”

“I don’t like being hurried.  I can’t bear to be hurried,” said the Squire pettishly.  “These important matters require consideration, a great deal of consideration.  Still,” he added, observing signs of increasing irritation upon Edward Cossey’s face, and not having the slightest intention of throwing away the opportunity, though he would dearly have liked to prolong the negotiations for a week or two, if it was only to enjoy the illusory satisfaction of dabbling with such a large sum of money.  “Still, as you are so pressing about it, I really, speaking off hand, can see no objection to your taking up the mortgages on the terms you mention.”

“Very well, Mr. de la Molle.  Now I have on my part one condition and one only to attach to this offer of mine, which is that my name is not mentioned in connection with it.  I do not wish Cossey and Son to know that I have taken up this investment on my own account.  In fact, so necessary to me is it that my name should not be mentioned, that if it does transpire before the affair is completed I shall withdraw my offer, and if it transpires afterwards I shall call the money in.  The loan will be advanced by a client of Mr. Quest’s.  Is that understood between us?”