“I hardly think that would disturb your comrade very much.”

Edgar saw that she would not be put off with an inadequate explanation, and he was a little surprised that she did not seem to mind displaying her interest in George.

“Then,” he said, “for another thing, he’s disappointed about having to give up an English visit he had looked forward to.”

He saw a gleam that suggested comprehension in her eyes.

“You mean that he is badly disappointed?”

“Yes,” said Edgar; “I really think he is.”

He left her to make what she liked of this, and he imagined that there was something to be inferred from it.  He thought it might be wise to give her a hint that George’s affections were already engaged.

“Besides,” he resumed, “it’s no secret that the loss of his harvest hit him pretty hard.  We’ll have to curtail our spring operation in several ways and study economy.”

Flora glanced toward the door of the room her father had entered with George.  Edgar thought she had done so unconsciously; but it was somewhat suggestive, though he could not see what it implied.

“Well,” she said, “I’m inclined to believe that he’ll get over his difficulties.”

“So am I,” Edgar agreed.  “George isn’t easy to defeat.”

In the meanwhile Grant sat in the next room, smoking thoughtfully and asking George rather direct questions about his farming.

“I’ve made some inquiries about that new wheat your English botanist friend reported on,” he said at length.  “Our experimental farm people strongly recommend it, and there’s a man I wrote to who can’t say enough in its favor.  You’ll sow it this spring?”

“I’m afraid I’ll have to stick to the common kinds,” George said gloomily.  “I’ve a pretty big acreage to crop and that special seed is remarkably dear.”

“That’s so,” Grant agreed.  “As a matter of fact, they haven’t quite made their arrangements for putting it on the market yet, and the surest way to get some is to bid for a round lot.  After what I’d heard, I wired a Winnipeg agent and he has promised to send me on what looks like more than I can use.  Now I’ll be glad to let you have as much as you want for your lightest land.”

George felt grateful.  He did not think that this methodical man had made any careless mistake over his order; but he hesitated.

“Thanks,” he said.  “Still, it doesn’t get over the main difficulty.”

“I guess it does.  You would have had to pay money down for the seed, and I’ll be glad to let the thing stand over until you have thrashed out.  The price doesn’t count; you can give me back as many bushels as you get.”

“Then,” said George with a slight flush, “you’re more generous than wise.  They haven’t produced a wheat yet that will stand drought and hail.  Suppose I have another year like last?  I’m sorry I can’t let you run this risk.”