Barchester, who, having risen from the world's ranks, had made for
himself great wealth. Somewhat of this man's character must hereafter
be told; it will suffice to say that he relied for advice in money
matters upon Dr Thorne, and that at Dr Thorne's suggestion he had
purchased Boxall Hill, partridge-shooting and gorse cover all
included. He had not only bought Boxall Hill, but had subsequently
lent the squire large sums of money on mortgage, in all which
transactions the doctor had taken part. It had therefore come to pass
that Mr Gresham was not infrequently called upon to discuss his money
affairs with Dr Thorne, and occasionally to submit to lectures and
advice which might perhaps as well have been omitted.

So much for Dr Thorne. A few words must still be said about Miss Mary
Thorne before we rush into our story; the crust will then have been
broken, and the pie will be open to the guests. Little Miss Mary was
kept at a farm-house till she was six; she was then sent to school at
Bath, and transplanted to the doctor's newly furnished house, a little
more than six years after that. It must not be supposed that he had
lost sight of his charge during her earlier years. He was much too
well aware of the nature of the promise which he had made to the
departing mother to do that. He had constantly visited his little
niece, and long before the first twelve years of her life were over had
lost consciousness of his promise, and of his duty to the mother, in
the stronger ties of downright personal love for the only creature that
belonged to him.

When Mary came home the doctor was like a child in his glee. He
prepared surprises for her with as much forethought and trouble as
though he were contriving mines to blow up an enemy. He took her first
into the shop, and then into the kitchen, thence to the dining-rooms,