Anthony Trollope: The Belton Estate

13. CHAPTER XIII: MR WILLIAM BELTON TAKES A WALK IN THE COUNTRY (continued)

'Why, Will?'

'Is it not odd? I'm so glad I didn't make up my mind not to go when I got that letter. And yet I don't know.' These last words he added slowly, and in a low voice, and Mary at once knew that everything was not quite as it ought to be.

'Is there anything wrong, Will?'

'No, nothing wrong; that is to say, there is nothing to make me regret that I went. I think I did some good to them.'

'It was to do good to them that you went there.'

'They wanted to have some one near them who could be to them as one of their own family. He is too old too much worn out to be capable of managing things; and the people there were, of course, robbing him. I think I have put a stop to that.'

'And you are to go again at Christmas?'

'Yes; they can do without me at my uncle's, and you will be there. I have taken the land, and already bought some of the stock for it, and am going to buy more.'

'I hope you won't lose money, Will.'

'No not ultimately, that is. I shall get the place in good condition, and I shall have paid myself when he goes, in that way, if in no other. Besides, what's a little money? I owe it to them for robbing her of her inheritance.'

'You do not rob her, Will.'

'It is hard upon her, though.'

'Does she feel it hard?'

'Whatever may be her feelings on such a matter, she is a woman much too proud to show them.'