human
They're good, he said.
gpt
I had them sent from Montreal.
human
No, thanks, replied Kenwyne.
gpt
I've given up such extravagances, and stick to the labeled plug. I don't want to be officious, but it might be better if you did the same.
human
You're rather a sordid beggar, Ralph; but as that's often a sign of prosperity, it makes me hopeful. I want you to lend me two hundred pounds.
gpt
Impossible!
human
One hundred and fifty, then?
gpt
Equally out of the question. All I have is sunk in stock, and earmarked for next year's operations. Kenwyne paused and considered. He knew the chances were slight that the money would ever be returned; yet he respected Colonel Mowbray, and his loyalty extended to the family of the head of Allenwood.
human
Why do you want the money?
gpt
I suppose I'll have to tell you. It goes back to India--what you might call a 'debt of honor.' I borrowed the money in London to square it; and thought when I came to Canada I'd be too far away for the London fellow to put undue pressure on me. Oh, I meant to pay sometime, when I was ready; but the fellow transferred the debt to a man at Winnipeg, who has sent me a curt demand with an extortionate bill of expenses. Now I have to pay.
human
I suppose you have been round the settlement?
gpt
Yes; but I haven't collected much. In fact, I'm afraid I'll have to pledge my farm.
human
You can't do that. Our foundation covenant forbids a settler to alienate his land without the consent of a majority in the council, subject to the president's veto. Your father would certainly use his veto.
gpt
Very true, Gerald agreed.
human
However, I don't propose to alienate my land--only to pawn it for a time.
gpt
It's against the spirit of the deed.
human
I've nothing to do with its spirit. The covenant should say what it means, and it merely states that a settler shall not sell to any person who's not a member of the colony. I'm not going to sell.
gpt
You're going to do a dangerous thing,
human
Then the remedy is for you to let me have a thousand dollars,
gpt
It is impossible; but I will try to raise five hundred. I suppose the Colonel does not know you have come to me?
human
I rely upon your not letting him know. Gerald smiled in that ingratiating way that won him many friends.
gpt
I'm deeply grateful, and you're a good sort, Ralph, though in some ways you differ from the rest of us. I don't know where you got your tradesman's spirit.
human
It won't be so singular before long, Kenwyne answered with dry amusement.
gpt
Even now, Broadwood and one or two others----
human
Broadwood doesn't count. He married a girl of the soil.
gpt
He loves her, and she makes him a good wife.
human
Yes, but it was a mistake. You know our traditions.
gpt
I suspect that's Broadwood now,
human
Well, I must be going. I will call for the check to-morrow.
gpt
I can guess what he wanted. He was at my place,
human
Ah! I'll wager he didn't go away empty-handed,
gpt
Perhaps I'm betraying a confidence in admitting it. Anyway, I felt that one ought to help him for the family's sake, lest he get into worse trouble; and I could afford the loan. Since I married I've been making some money. But I want to ask you about this Harding. What kind of fellow is he?
human
I like what I've seen of him. Why?
gpt
Effie has been talking about his sister. Seemed to think it was unkind to leave the girl alone--in want, perhaps, of odds and ends a woman could supply. I think she has made up her mind to go see her.
human
I'm not sure that would meet with general approval. What did you say?
gpt
I seldom give my opinion on these matters, Broadwood answered with a laugh.
human
On the whole, I think Effie's right; and I suspect that knowing the thing won't please the others gives it a charm. After all, she hasn't much reason for respecting their prejudices. At first, they nearly drove us out of Allenwood.
gpt
I'm glad you didn't go. Your wife is steadily gaining ground, and the others will be glad to copy her after a while.
human
That's my idea; we'll have to work our land. Have you ever thought what the Colonel could do with his big block, if he had the capital?
gpt
said Kenwyne.
human
The obstacle is his point of view. Besides, all of it isn't really his: Mrs. Mowbray, Beatrice, and the boys have a share. Of course, his taking the lots as one gives him a solid vote in the council, and with the veto he has on certain points makes him an absolute ruler.
gpt
So long as his family support him!
human
Can you imagine their doing the contrary?
gpt
I've thought the Colonel's position was least secure from an attack within, Broadwood answered thoughtfully.
human
It doesn't follow that a man's family is bound to agree with him. Gerald's a dark horse, and one can't predict what he'll do, except that it will be what suits himself. Lance is young and headstrong; and Beatrice has a mind of her own.... But I really came to ask your opinion about this sketch of a new stable. I must buy another team.