‘Though he doesn’t know where,’ said Sophia.

’My fellow knows;—­he keeps a book.  I’ve got a letter, sir, ever so long, from those fellows in Lincoln’s Inn.  They want me to come and see you about selling something; so I’ve come.  It’s an awful bore, because I don’t understand anything about it.  Perhaps there isn’t anything to be sold.  If so I can go away again, you know.’

‘You’d better come with me into the study,’ said the father.  ’We needn’t disturb your mother and sisters about business.’  Then the squire led the way out of the room, and Dolly followed, making a woeful grimace at his sisters.  The three ladies...