“Two things are obvious,” he remarked.  “The mortgages must be wiped off; and when other debts have been paid, the rents of the land I’m willing to redeem ought to keep you going, if they’re economically used.”

“I doubt it,” Osborn rejoined.  “So far, the rent of the whole estate have failed to do so.”

“They will do so now,” Kit said rather dryly, “That is, if I’m to free the land.  But you must decide if you will help or not.”

He looked at Mrs. Osborn, who made a sign of agreement “There will be enough, Kit.  Indeed, in some ways, we shall be better off than we were.”

“You have pluck,” said Kit, and turned to Osborn, knowing he must be firm.  “The house and grounds will be yours to use as you like and the farmers will bring their complaints and requests first to you.  You will be the acknowledged landlord and I shall be glad of your advice; but the expenditure will be controlled by me.”

Osborn did not reply, but Mrs. Osborn said, “It is a generous offer.”

Kit waited, conscious of some suspense, for he doubted if Osborn’s pride was quite humbled yet.  He did not want to humble him, but, for the sake of Grace and her mother, did not mean to let him wreck his plans.  After a few moments Osborn looked up.

“It is a hard choice, but you have taken the proper line and I’m resigned,” he said.  “After all, I have had my day, and although luck has been against me, cannot claim that I have used it well.  Besides, I’m not robbing Gerald by agreeing to your plan; Gerald robbed himself and me.”  He paused and went on with some emotion:  “Very well, I’m ready to abdicate, and thank you for trying to save my feelings by giving me nominal control.”

There was nothing more of much importance to be said, and with the object of banishing the strain, Kit began to talk about improving some of the farms.  Osborn did not help him much, but he kept it up until Hayes arrived.  The latter seemed surprised to see Kit and hesitated when Osborn indicated a chair.

“Mrs. Osborn will stay, and I brought Mr. Askew to meet you.”

“As you like,” said Hayes, who looked annoyed, but sat down and took out some documents.  “You have had formal notice that repayment of these loans is due, and it would be an advantage to make arrangements for taking up the other mortgages that will soon run out.  Some time since, I made you an offer that you refused.”

“That is so,” Osborn agreed.  “Your offer is still unacceptable.  What are you going to do?”

“I must advertise the mortgaged farms for public sale, and when arrears of interest, various charges, and smaller loans are deducted, there will probably be nothing left.  The rest is not my business, but I have managed the estate and do not see how you can carry on.”

“It is not your business, and Mr. Askew has a plan.”

Hayes smiled as he turned to Kit.  “You may perhaps resent my advice, but I think it’s sound; you would be rash to meddle.  A small sum would be swallowed up and make no difference.  You would be poorer and Mr. Osborn would not gain.”