`` He has just slaved on that place ever since he grew up . '' `` Well , yes , he has worked hard in a way . But he 's kind of shiftless , for all that -- no manager , as you might say . Some folks would have been clear by now , but Osborne is one of those men that are bound to get behind . He has n't got any business faculty . '' `` He is n't shiftless , '' said Nan quickly , `` and it is n't his fault if he has got behind . It 's all because of his care for his aunt . He has had to spend more on her doctor 's bills than would have raised the mortgage . And now that she is dead and he might have a chance to pull up , you go and foreclose . '' `` A man must look out for Number One , '' said Bryan easily , admiring Nan 's downcast eyes and rosy cheeks . `` I have n't any spite against Osborne , but business is business , you know . '' Nan opened her lips to say something but , remembering Osborne 's parting injunction , she shut them again . She shot a scornful glance at Lee as he stood with his arms folded on the sill beside her . Bryan lingered , talking small talk , until Nan announced that she must see about getting tea . `` And you wo n't tell me who is going to take you to the picnic ? '' he coaxed . `` Oh , it 's Ned Bennett , '' said Nan indifferently . Bryan felt relieved . He unpinned the huge cluster of violets on his coat and laid them down on the sill beside her before he went . Nan flicked them off with her fingers as she watched him cross the lawn , his own self-satisfied smile upon his face .
* * * * * A week later the XXXXX homestead had passed into Bryan Lee 's hands and John Osborne was staying with his cousin at Thornhope , pending his departure for the west .
Bennett Bryan Lee Nan Osborne arms doctor fingers glance tea