text:  Still the question was proceeding at the snail's pace rate of Chancery suits at the commencement of the present century and the unfortunate Congleton manufacturer had every reason to curse the day when he had become enamoured of the grassy glades and rich woodlands of Lexley; seeing that at the close of an honourable and well-spent life he was uncertain whether the sons and daughters to whom he had laboured to bequeath a handsome independence might not be reduced to utter destitution