All the bubble- illusions concerning the life of the tropical planter had been pricked by the stern facts of the Solomons.

Following the death of Hughie, he had resolved to muddle along somehow with the plantation; but this resolve had not been based upon desire.

Instead, it was based upon the inherent stubbornness of his nature and his dislike to give over an attempted task.
But now it was different.

Berande meant everything.

It must succeed--not merely because Joan was a partner in it, but because he wanted to make that partnership permanently binding.