The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
since you state so roundly that you would have no pressure put upon her — since, in
point of fact" —here the Squire waved his hand — “you commit me to nothing beyond
the mere recognition of your position as a suitor, I am willing to meet you so far. But it
must be understood " — he drew his bushy white brows together — "that I promise
nothing. I encourage no hopes. When she sends you packing about your business,
Simon Fleetwood, you must not blame me."
“Sir," replied Simon quietly, "I place my hope in God and in my great love.”
"Remember," pursued the Squire, still frowning fiercely, "the girl must know nothing of
this. Do you hear, madam? You must give me your word, both of you
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not to speak of this matter to any living soul — not even to Renshaw," he added
quickly.
“There is no necessity whatever for Mr. Renshaw to know anything about it," replied
the young man. "For the rest, I give my word the more willingly because I would not for
worlds Miss Charnock should consider herself under any obligation to me."
Mr. Charnock crossed his 1egs, and looked critically at Simon. After a pause he said
carelessly:—
“Well then, we may consider the rest of the business settled, I presume? We must have
Renshaw’s assistance for that. The deeds of mortgage must be drawn up at once; and
with regard to that other plan of yours, Fleetwood, about taking over the management of
the Home Farm, why I have no objection to your trying. Things could not well be worse
for me, and you might improve them.”
"I hope," put in Madam Charnock anxiously, “that Simon is not committing himself
rashly to an undertaking which might be prejudicial to his own interests."
"Trust him for that," returned her lord hastily. “Yeoman Fleetwood is shrewd enough;
are you not, Simon? He will look after himself. The investment is a good one, madam.
Four per cent, certain, is not to be sneezed at, is it, Simon? And for the rest, I have no
doubt he will make his profit. Fleetwood is a knowing fellow — mark how things have
prospered with him. Yes, yes," said the Squire, nodding and smiling quite graciously on