FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES 87 



now and then and see that the beasts are all right. 

 Nearly all the wheat is sold already, so there is 

 nothing else to worry over. Of course, the best 

 thing possible from every point of view would be 

 New York, but if you feel you really ought to stay 

 in the neighbourhood, far better stay at the convent. 

 We will go along to-morrow and see how things 

 are. I don't mind going away now that one 

 knows that there are really some nice people within 

 reach. I think you have brought anything you have 

 to get through in the way of unpleasantness on 

 yourself, but I should hate leaving you alone at the 

 farm. And all these people say it's preposterous 

 and no doubt think " 



" Oh ! Do stop," I interrupted, " if I have made 

 a mistake at least I can pay for it. And even you 

 must allow that I am not in the habit of dragging 

 other people into my worries. Not that I am not 

 absolutely content with the thing I have done. I 

 believe in this country from end to end, but espe- 

 cially I believe the prairie and the wheat and " 



" The woman ! " gibed Hilaria. 



