Moore, George: A communication to my friends ([London]: Nonesuch Pr., 1933)

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completed?” “Well,” I said, “the Ruttledges are our
nearest neighbours and Tom Ruttledge wants to be map
ried.” “You mean that fellow with long legs and a round
head who smokes cigars in the drawing-room and rides
steeplechases and is a disappointment to his mother? You
are not thinking of giving him the agency?” “Mother,
say nothing against Tom Ruttledge. I said nothing about
Joe Blake when you made him my agent in my minority. ’ ’
“But is Tom going to advance money, and where is the
money to come from?” “Tom tells me that the woods
have not been thinned round Moore Hall for the last
thirty years. He has had them examined by a timber mer-
chant, who will pay four hundred pounds for the surplus
trees. The woods will be not spoilt but benefited.” “And
you will live, George, in London for two years on four
hundred pounds?” “I hope to do so. The trees of Moore
Hall shall not be wasted, that I promise you, Mother,
and you can live at Moore Hall as long as it pleases you
and invite your friends to keep you company.”