, if you would join him in his efforts, - if
you would stay yourself, and go on managing the old woods.«
    Arthur paused a moment, and then added, pleadingly, »You know that's a good
work to do for the sake of other people, besides the owner. And you don't know
but that they may have a better owner soon, whom you will like to work for. If I
die, my cousin Tradgett will have the estate, and take my name. He is a good
fellow.«
    Adam could not help being moved: it was impossible for him not to feel that
this was the voice of the honest, warm-hearted Arthur whom he had loved and been
proud of in old days; but nearer memories would not be thrust away. He was
silent; yet Arthur saw an answer in his face that induced him to go on, with
growing earnestness.
    »And then, if you would talk to the Poysers - if you would talk the matter
over with Mr. Irwine - he means to see you tomorrow - and then if you would join
your arguments to his to prevail on them not to go. ... I know, of course, that
they would not accept any favour from me: I mean nothing of that kind: but I'm
sure they would suffer less in the end. Irwine thinks so too; and Mr. Irwine is
to have the chief authority on the estate - he has consented to undertake that.
They will really be under no man but one whom they respect and like. It would be
the same with you, Adam; and it could be nothing but a desire to give me worse
pain that could incline you to go.«
    Arthur was silent again for a little while, and then said, with some
agitation in his voice -
    »I wouldn't act so towards you, I know. If you were in my place and I in
yours, I should try to help you to do the best.«
    Adam made a hasty movement on his chair, and looked on the ground. Arthur
went on -
    »Perhaps you've never done anything you've had bitterly to repent of in your
life, Adam; if you had, you would be more generous. You would know then that
it's worse for me than for you.«
    Arthur rose from his seat with the last words, and went to one of the
windows, looking out and turning his back on Adam, as he continued, passionately
-
    »Haven't I
