your account to him."

George followed her, but for a while he was conscious of a certain
restraint, which he fancied was shared by Bland. It was difficult to
talk about indifferent subjects, and he took out some papers.

"I came to explain the state of Sylvia's Canadian affairs; she wished
you to know," he said. "If you will give me a few minutes, I'll try to
make things clear."

Bland listened gravely, and then made a sign of satisfaction.

"It's obvious that Sylvia placed her property in most capable hands.
We can only give you our sincere thanks."

"There's a point to be considered," George resumed. "Have you decided
what to do with the property?"

"Sylvia and I have talked it over; we thought of selling. I don't see
how we could carry on the farm."

"If you will let the matter stand over for a few weeks, I might be a
purchaser. The land's poor, but there's a good deal of it, and I
believe that, with proper treatment, it could be made to pay."

Sylvia looked astonished, Bland slightly embarrassed.

"We never contemplated your buying the place," he said.

"I've grown fond of it; I believe I understand how it should be worked.
There's no reason why either of you should object to my becoming a
purchaser."

"I suppose that's true," Bland agreed. "Anyway, I can promise that
we'll do nothing about the matter until we hear from you; I don't think
there's any likelihood of our disputing about the price. You can fix
that at what it's worth to you."

George changed the subject; and when he went out, Sylvia smiled at
Bland.

"You needn't have been so sensitive about his buying the farm," she
said. "It will have to be sold."

"I suppose so, but I wish we could have given it to him."

Sylvia touched his cheek caressingly.

"Don't be foolish; it's out of the question. You will have to be
economical enough as it is, but you shan't make any sacrifice that
isn't strictly necessary."

During the next few weeks George made some visits among his friends,
but he returned to the Wests shortly before Edgar sailed for Canada.
On the night preceding his departure they were sitting together when
Edgar looked at him thoughtfully.

"George," he remarked, "I wonder if it has ever struck you that you're
a very short-sighted person? I mean that you don't realize where your
interest lies."

"It's possible," said George. "What particular oversight are you
referring to?"

"It isn't easy to answer bluntly, and i