an admirer of his. Do you mean to go in for farming?"

"I am, though I wouldn't have him suspect it," said Edgar. "In answer
to the other question, I haven't made up my mind. Farming as it's
carried on in this country seems to be a rather arduous occupation. In
the meanwhile, I'm undergoing what English people seem to think of as
the Canadian cure; that is, I've been given a chance for readjusting my
ideas and developing my character."

"Under Mr. Lansing's guidance?"

Edgar realized that the girl was less interested in him than in George,
but he did not resent this.

"You're smart. I believe my people entertained some idea of that
nature; George is considered safe. Still, to prevent any
misapprehension, I'd better point out that my chief failings are a
fondness for looking at the amusing side of things and a slackness in
availing myself of my opportunities. As an instance of the latter
defect, I'm boring you by talking about Lansing."

Flora regarded him with a quiet smile.

"It struck me that you were saying something about yourself."

"I suppose that's true," Edgar admitted. "It clears the ground."

"For what?"

"For an extension of our acquaintance, among other things."

"Do you want it extended?"

They had stopped at the edge of a hollow filled with tall, harsh grass,
and Edgar studied her while he considered his answer. There was
nothing that suggested coquetry in the faint amusement she displayed;
this was a girl with some depth of character, though he realized that
she was pretty. She carried herself well; she was finely and strongly
made; her gray eyes were searching; and she had a rather commanding
manner. Her hair was a warm brown, clustering low on a smooth
forehead; nose and lips and chin were firmly molded.

"Yes," he answered candidly; "I'm feeling the strangeness of the
country, and I've an idea that both George and I may need friends in
it. It strikes me that you and your father would prove useful ones."

"Well," she said, "he's sometimes called hard, and he's a little
prejudiced on certain points, but he can be very staunch to those he
takes a liking to."

"I believe," Edgar rejoined, "that also applies to you; I don't mean
the first of it."

Flora changed the subject.

"I gather that you're not favorably impressed with the place."

"I'm not. If I had to farm it, I'd feel scared; and I don't think
George is happy. It's hard to understand how Marston let it get into