"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."