However, Elizabeth succeeded in thoroughly winning Peter Crag, the
tenant of the home farm, and a man of considerable influence with men
of his own class. He would not listen to any complaints on the subject.
"She's a varry sensible lass," he said, striking his fist heavily on
the table; "she's done right, to get out o' t' Whaleys' hands. I've
been under their thumbs mysen; and I know what it is. I'm bound to
do right by Squire Henry's daughter, and I'd like to see them as is
thinking o' doing wrong, or o' giving her any trouble--" and as his
eyes traveled slowly round the company, every man gravely shook his
head in emphatic denial of any such intention. Still, even with Peter
Crag to stand behind her, Elizabeth did not find her self-elected
office an easy one. She was quite sure that many a complaint was
entered, and many a demand made, that would never have been thought
of if Whaley had been the judge of their justice.
She had to look at her position in many lights, and chiefly in that
of at least five years' poverty. At the New-Year she withdrew her
balance from Josiah Broadbent's. It was but little over L600, and this
sum was to be her capital upon which, in cases of extra expenditure,
she must rely. For she had no idea of letting either the house or
grounds fall into decay or disorder.
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