The Etches family is among the best known and the widest spread in
the Five Towns. It originated in three brothers, of whom Daniel
was the youngest. Daniel never married; the other two did. Daniel
was not very fond of money; the other two were, and they founded
the glorious firm of Etches. Harold was the grandson of one
brother, and Maud was the Granddaughter of the other.
Consequently, they both stood in the same relation to Dan, who was
their great-uncle--addressed as uncle 'for short'.
There is a good deal of snobbery in the Five Towns, but it does
not exist between relatives. The relatives in danger of suffering
by it would never stand it. Besides, although Dan's income did not
exceed two hundred a year, he was really richer than his
grandnephew, since Dan lived on half his income, whereas Harold,
aided by Maud, lived on all of his.
Consequently, despite the vast difference in their stations,
clothes, and manners, Daniel and his young relatives met as
equals. It would have been amusing to see anyone--even the
Countess of Chell, who patronized the entire district--attempt to
patronize Dan.
In his time he had been the greatest pigeon-fancier in the
country.
'So you're paying a visit to Bursley, uncle?' said Maud.
'Aye!' Dan replied. 'I'm back i' owd Bosley.
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