"To begin with, it's impossible; then I'd hoped the loss of money, serious as it is, would have made you cautious and, in a sense, more content." "You hoped the loss of the money--!" Festing exclaimed.

"Did you ever know losing money make anybody content?
The thing's absurd!" Helen made a gesture of protest.

"Stephen, dear, try to see what I mean.
You have been doing too much, running too big risks, and fixing all your thought upon the farm.

It has made you irritable and impatient, and the strain is telling on your health.

This could not go on long, and although I'm truly sorry the wheat is spoiled, it's some relief to know you will be forced to be less ambitious.