"Well, I am at your service, my dear, and quite ready to account for my stewardship.

You are no longer my ward, except by your own wishes." "I am still your niece," said the girl, patting his arm.

"Now, there is, of course, nobody who could manage the farming better than you do, but I would like to raise a large crop of wheat this season." "It wouldn't pay," and the Colonel grew suddenly grave.

"Very few men in the district are going to sow all their holding.

Wheat is steadily going down." "Then if nobody sows there will be very little, and shouldn't that put up the prices ?" Barrington's eyes twinkled.