"I did not intend to give that impression," he said.
"Well, then, you did," said I, wisely shaking my head. "Any one could have seen it. You were quite cool about the water scheme. Why, father took his part against you."
"I think you exaggerate, Miss Margaret," murmured he.
"Oh no, I don't," I insisted. "And if I am rude, I beg your pardon; but I think it a pity you should undo all the work I have been doing. Besides," added I, in a lower voice, "it's not fair. You said you were 'afraid' he was spending too much money, and you 'hoped' he would make a fortune over the hops. It didn't sound as if you believed it would be so."
"Well, so I do hope a fortune will be made," smiled he.
"Ah, but you said it as if it might have been quite the contrary," insisted I.
"Did I?" repeated he, humbly.
"Yes," declared I. "If you don't think Mr. Harrod manages well, you should tell him so; you are his friend."
The squire was silent, moodily silent.
"Ah, who can tell what is good management in hops?" sighed he at last. "The most gambling thing that a man can touch. All chance. Twelve hours' storm, a few scalding hot days, and a few night-mists at the wrong moment, may ruin the most brilliant hopes of weeks. I have seen fortunes lost over hops. A field that will bring forth hundreds one year will scarcely pay for the picking the next. No man ought to touch hops who has not plenty of money at his back."