human
The Mowbrays are in trouble just now, aren't they, Tom?
gpt
I dare say; they certainly have their difficulties. Why?
human
Beatrice rode over this afternoon and she had something on her mind. What do you think's the matter?
gpt
For one thing, the Colonel must have lost a good deal since wheat began to go down. Then I heard something about the failure of an English bank; Lance once told me the family had shares in it. I expect the stoppage made a difference in their income.
human
That doesn't quite account for it. Do you know of anything else?
gpt
Gerald may have been giving them trouble again. I know he has borrowed a good deal of money which he'd find it difficult to pay, and I'm afraid he's been mortgaging his land.
human
The Colonel would be very mad about the mortgage, she said.
gpt
Still, it's Gerald's land, and he can do what he likes with it.
human
Not altogether. He's bound by the settlement covenant, and, as his father gave him the land, he ought to respect his opinions. Mowbray's convinced that to let in strangers would be hurtful to Allenwood.