"We can make a bid for it," he replied. "I must have bigger and newer machines. Like most of the rest, I've been too afraid of launching out and have clung to old-fashioned means. There will have to be a change and a clearance before next season."
It was very matter-of-fact, but Florence knew him well enough to realize what it implied. Defeat could not crush him; it only nerved him to a more resolute fight, for which he meant to equip himself at any sacrifice with more efficient weapons. Again she was conscious of a growing respect for him.
"I'm afraid I have been a drag on you, Elcot, but in this case you can count upon my doing—what I can."
He scarcely seemed to hear her, and she realized with a trace of bitter amusement that her assurance did not appear of any particular consequence to him.
"I have teams enough," he continued, picking up the course of thought where he had broken off. "Anyway, one should get something for the old machines."
Florence set her lips as they turned back toward the house. This was a matter in which she evidently did not count; but there was no doubt that in the light of past events the man's attitude was justified. It would be necessary to prove that he was wrong, and, with Nevis's loan still to be met, that promised to be difficult.
"Elcot," she said, "I don't think I've told you yet how sorry I am."
He looked at her in a manner which implied that his mind was still busy with his plans.
"Yes—of course," he replied.