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Rh seemed at last to take pain at the excess of their gratitude; and accordingly, pointing to the clock, which was within a few minutes of nine, he said,

"I fear, my respected host, and my admired hostess, that I must now leave you; I have far to go."

"But are you yourself not afraid of the highwaymen?" cried Mrs. Slopperton, interrupting him.

"The highwaymen!" said the stranger, smiling, "No! I do not fear them; besides, I have little about me worth robbing."

"Do you superintend your property yourself?" said the Doctor; who farmed his own glebe, and who, unwilling to part with so charming a guest, seized him now by the button.

"Superintend it myself!—why, not exactly. There is a bailiff, whose views of things don't agree with mine, and who now and then gives me a good deal of trouble!"

"Then why don't you discharge him altogether."

"Ah! I wish I could: but 'tis a necessary evil. We landed proprietors, my dear Sir, must always