’I should like to be certain of his wishes.  Farmers are so unwilling to increase the rates, that I should not like to consent till I know that it would be really a convenience to him.’

Mary suggested that there stood the farmhouse; and the Earl apologetically asked if she would dislike their proceeding thither, as he would not detain her long.  She eagerly declared that Louis would be ‘so glad,’ and Lord Ormersfield turned his steps to the door, where he had only been once in his life, when he was a very young man, trying to like shooting.

The round-eyed little maid would say nothing but ‘Walk in, sir,’ in answer to inquiries if Mr. Norris were at home; and they walked into a parlour, chill with closed windows, and as stiff and fine as the lilac streamers of the cap that Mrs. Norris had just put on for their reception.  Nevertheless, she was a sensible, well-mannered woman, and after explaining that her husband was close at hand, showed genuine warmth and interest in inquiring for Lord Fitzjocelyn.  As the conversation began to flag, Mary had recourse to admiring a handsome silver tankard on a side table.  It was the prize of a ploughing-match eight years ago, and brought out a story that evidently always went with it, how Mrs. Norris had been unwell and stayed at home, and had first heard of her husband’s triumph by seeing the young Lord galloping headlong up the homefield, hurraing, and waving his cap.  He had taken his pony the instant he heard the decision, and rushed off to be the first to bring the news to Mrs. Norris, wild with the honour of Small Profits.  ‘And,’ said the farmer’s wife, ’I always say Norris was as pleased with what I told him, as I was with the tankard!’

Norris here came in, an unpretending, quiet man, of the modern, intelligent race of farmers.  There was anxiety at first in his eye, but it cleared off as he heard the cause of his landlord’s visit, and he was as propitious as any cautious farmer could be.  He was strong on the present inconveniences, and agreed that it would be a great boon to have a few families brought back, such as were steady, and would not burden the rates; but the few recurred so often as to show that he was afraid of a general migration of Marksedge.  Lord Ormersfield thereupon promised that he should be consulted as to the individuals.

’Thank you, my Lord.  There are some families at Marksedge that one would not wish to see nearer here; and I’ll not say but I should like to have a voice in the matter, for they are apt to take advantage of Lord Fitzjocelyn’s kindness.’

’I quite understand you.  Nothing can be more reasonable.  I only acted because my son was persuaded it was your wish.’

’It is so, my Lord.  I am greatly obliged.  He has often talked of it with me, and I had mentioned the matter to Mr. Richardson, but he thought your lordship would be averse to doing anything.’

‘I have not been able to do all I could have wished,’ said the Earl.  ’My son will have it in his power to turn more attention to the property.’