He had been
Lord Dunleigh's steward in better days, as his father had been to
the old lord, and was bound to the family by the closest ties of
interest and affection. When the estates became so encumbered that
either an immediate change or a catastrophe was inevitable, he had
been taken into his master's confidence concerning the plan which
had first been proposed in jest, and afterwards adopted in earnest.
The family must leave Dunleigh Castle for a period of probably
eight or ten years, and seek some part of the world where their
expenses could be reduced to the lowest possible figure. In
Germany or Italy there would be the annoyance of a foreign race and
language, of meeting of tourists belonging to the circle in which
they had moved, a dangerous idleness for their sons, and
embarrassing restrictions for their daughters. On the other hand,
the suggestion to emigrate to America and become Quakers during
their exile offered more advantages the more they considered it.
It was original in character; it offered them economy, seclusion,
entire liberty of action inside the limits of the sect, the best
moral atmosphere for their children, and an occupation which would
not deteriorate what was best in their blood and breeding.
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