He 's as poor as Job 's turkey . I suppose you 've heard that I 've been compelled to foreclose the mortgage on his farm . '' Nan kept her temper sweetly -- a dangerous sign , had Bryan but known it . `` Yes ; he was telling me so this morning , '' she answered slowly . `` Oh , was he ? I suppose he gave me my character ? '' `` No ; he did n't say very much about it at all . He said of course you were within your rights . But do you really mean to do it , Bryan ? '' `` Of course I do , '' said Bryan promptly . `` I ca n't wait any longer for my money , and I 'd never get it if I did . Osborne ca n't even pay the interest . '' `` It is n't because he has n't worked hard enough , then , '' said Nan . `` 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 XXXXX her doctor 's bills than would have raised the mortgage .
Of as at for if in on so to within