Had the times continued favourable it would not have mattered, as my income would have been large.
But the times became adverse before I was firmly settled, and, to be plain, I can but just keep things going without a loan--dear Bella will not be able to go to the sea this year; but we are both determined not to borrow.' 'In a year or two I am convinced we shall flourish again; but the waiting, Alick, the waiting, is the trial.

You know I am impatient.

Of course, the old-fashioned people, the farmers, all expect me to go through the Bankruptcy Court.

They always said these new-fangled plans would not answer, and now they are sure they were right.

Well, I forgive them their croaking, though most of them have dined at my table and drank my wine.