2. AUGUST THE TWENTIETH
On the Saturday subsequent to Mr. Nyttleton's visit to Knapwater
House, the subjoined advertisement appeared in the Field and the
Builder newspapers:--
'LAND STEWARD.
'A gentleman of integrity and professional skill is required
immediately for the MANAGEMENT of an ESTATE, containing about 1000
acres, upon which agricultural improvements and the erection of
buildings are contemplated. He must be a man of superior education, unmarried, and not more than thirty years of age. Considerable preference will be shown for one who possesses an artistic as well as a practical knowledge of planning and laying out. The remuneration will consist of a salary of 220 pounds, with the old manor-house as a residence--Address Messrs. Nyttleton and Tayling, solicitors, Lincoln's Inn Fields.'
A copy of each paper was sent to Miss Aldclyffe on the day of
publication. The same evening she told Cytherea that she was
advertising for a steward, who would live at the old manor-house, showing her the papers containing the announcement.
What was the drift of that remark? thought the maiden; or was it
merely made to her in confidential intercourse, as other
arrangements were told her daily. Yet it seemed to have more
meaning than common. She remembered the conversation about
architects and surveyors, and her brother Owen. Miss Aldclyffe knew
that his situation was precarious, that he was well educated and
practical, and was applying himself heart and soul to the details of
the profession and all connected with it. Miss Aldclyffe might be
ready to take him if he could compete successfully with others who
would reply. She hazarded a question:
'Would it be desirable for Owen to answer it?'
'Not at all,' said Miss Aldclyffe peremptorily.
A flat answer of this kind had ceased to alarm Cytherea. Miss
Aldclyffe's blunt mood was not her worst. Cytherea thought of
another man, whose name, in spite of resolves, tears, renunciations
and injured pride, lingered in her ears like an old familiar strain. That man was qualified for a stewardship under a king.
'Would it be of any use if Edward Springrove were to answer it?' she
said, resolutely enunciating the name.
'None whatever,' replied Miss Aldclyffe, again in the same decided
tone.
'You are very unkind to speak in that way.'
'Now don't pout like a goosie, as you are. I don't want men like
either of them, for, of course, I must look to the good of the
estate rather than to that of any individual. The man I want must
have been more specially educated. I have told you that we are
going to London next week; it is mostly on this account.'
Cytherea found that she had mistaken the drift of Miss Aldclyffe's
peculiar explicitness on the subject of advertising, and wrote to
tell her brother that if he saw the notice it would be useless to
reply.