"Wish I could get away this fall, but the fact is we are in shallow water, Ranald, and we can't take any chances." Ranald knew well how serious the situation was.

"But," continued Mr.St.
Clair, "this offer of the British-American Lumber and Coal Company is most fortunate, and will be the saving of us.

With one hundred thousand set free we are certain to pull through this season, and indeed, the financial stringency will rather help than hinder our operations.

Really it is most fortunate.

Indeed," he added, with a slight laugh, "as my sister-in-law would say, quite providential!" "I have no doubt of that," said Ranald, gravely; "but, Mr.St.Clair--" "Yes, no doubt, no doubt," said Mr.St.Clair, hastening to recover the tone, which by his unfortunate reference to Mrs.Murray, he had lost.
The thought of her was not in perfect harmony with purely commercial considerations.