“It’s more to the purpose that I’m hard, which is fortunate in several ways.  But I came to talk about the farm; that is why I suggested that Captain Bland should be present.”

“The farm?” Sylvia regarded him with a trace of mockery.  “That you should think of it is so characteristic of you!”

George smiled.

“I can’t help my matter-of-fact nature, and I’ve found it serviceable.  Anyway, the farm must be thought of.”  He laid a hand gently on her shoulder.  “Sylvia, I’m told that Bland isn’t rich.  If he loves you, take him fully into your confidence.”

She blushed, which he had scarcely expected.

“I have done so—­at least, I allowed Herbert to explain—­there is nothing hidden.”  Then her tone changed to one of light raillery.  “You were always an extremist, George; you can’t hit the happy medium.  Once you believed I was everything that was most admirable, and now—­”

“I think you have done right and wisely in letting Bland know how things stand.  It was only my interest in your future that warranted what I said.”

“Well,” she replied, “we will go up and talk to him; he’s waiting.  You can give your account to him.”

George followed her, but for a while he was conscious of a certain restraint, which he fancied was shared by Bland.  It was difficult to talk about indifferent subjects, and he took out some papers.

“I came to explain the state of Sylvia’s Canadian affairs; she wished you to know,” he said.  “If you will give me a few minutes, I’ll try to make things clear.”

Bland listened gravely, and then made a sign of satisfaction.

“It’s obvious that Sylvia placed her property in most capable hands.  We can only give you our sincere thanks.”

“There’s a point to be considered,” George resumed.  “Have you decided what to do with the property?”

“Sylvia and I have talked it over; we thought of selling.  I don’t see how we could carry on the farm.”

“If you will let the matter stand over for a few weeks, I might be a purchaser.  The land’s poor, but there’s a good deal of it, and I believe that, with proper treatment, it could be made to pay.”

Sylvia looked astonished, Bland slightly embarrassed.

“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.”