"Hard wheat is five cents down, and I am sorry I persuaded you to hold your crop.

I am very much afraid we shall see the balance the wrong side again next half-year." Maud Barrington smiled curiously.

There was no great cause for merriment in the information given her, but it emphasized the contrast between the present and the careless life she had lately led when her one thought had been how to extract the greatest pleasure from the day.
One had frequently to grapple with the problems arising from scanty finances at Silverdale.
"It will go up again," she said.

"Is there anything else ?" Barrington's face grew a trifle grim as he nodded.

"There is, and while I have not much expectation of an advance in prices, I have been worrying over another affair lately." His niece regarded him steadily.