“Not much. In fact, that's partly why I came first to you. I felt you should be warned; that's really what I meant.”
“You are honest,” Miss Graham interposed. “You want my sister's approval, but don't think it essential.”
Festing looked at Mrs. Dalton. “If you refused, I wouldn't be altogether daunted. I might wait, but that is all. This is a matter Helen must decide.”
“Yes. All the same, it is my duty to guard her from a possible mistake.”
“Very well; I'll make matters as plain as I can. To begin with, I haven't much money, and although I'm building a good homestead, a Western farm is very different from the Scar. There's none of the refinement you have round you; a man must work from sunrise until it's dark, and there are many demands upon a woman. For all that, I can guard against Helen suffering actual hardship. In fact, she shall suffer nothing I can save her from. It's the pressure of things one can't control and her own character that may cause the strain. If I know her, she won't stand by and watch when there's much that ought to be done.”
“She would not. But how long do you expect the strain to last?”
“Not very long. Two years, three years; I can't tell. When you break new land you work hard and wait. The railroad throws out branches, elevators are built, small towns spring up, and while you improve your holding comfort and often prosperity comes to you.”
“But in the meantime a little capital would help?”
“Of course,” said Festing. “The trouble is I haven't much, but I think I have enough to provide all that's strictly necessary.”
He thought Mrs. Dalton gave her sister a warning glance, but she said: “Well, you have my consent to ask Helen; but if she is willing to run the risk, there is a stipulation I must make.”