"Rather enigmatic!" he said. "Do you mean, the best for me, or the best for the Colony?"
"They should be identical—the best for the Colony should be the best for you."
"In theory, possibly, but not always in practice. The best thing for me may be to stay, but it may be the worst for the Colony."
"That can be determined only by trial," she said. "In the meantime, what do you think it will be?"
"Which brings us back to the starting point!" he laughed. "We have rounded the circle. I think it will be that I stay."
"Then, I hope it will prove pleasant and profitable."
"And you will stand my friend?" he asked.
"What makes you think I shall not?" she said, evasively.
"Nothing—I only wanted to have your promise safely filed away."
"I fancy every one will be glad to be your friend, Sir Edward,"—(smiling) "so long as you deserve it."