The boldness of the undertaking appealed to the girl as she glanced across the wide stretch of snow.
"It's a big thing," she said.
"A beginning. Two men can't do much, but more are coming. In a year or two the wheat will run as far as you can see, and there'll be homesteads all along the skyline."
They walked on in silence for a moment; then he gave her an amused glance.
"I guess Colonel Mowbray doesn't like what I'm doing?"
"He doesn't go so far. It's to what you are persuading our friends to do that he objects."
"That's a pity. They'll have to follow—not because I lead, but because necessity drives."
"You're taking it for granted that it does drive; and you must see my father's point of view."
"That I'm encouraging your people to rebel? That's not my wish, but he can't hold them much longer—the drift of things is against him."
Beatrice's eyes sparkled. He thought she looked very charming with her proud air and the color in her face; but he must keep his head. He was readjusting his opinions about sudden, mutual love, and he saw that precipitation might cost him too much. If he could not have the girl on his own terms, he must take her on hers.