When they reached the homestead, the conversation centered on the constable’s visit; and when the Grants left, Edgar stood outside with George, watching the slender mounted figure grow smaller beside the jolting buggy.

“George,” he said, “I’ve met very few girls who could compare with Flora Grant, taking her all round.”

“That’s correct,” George told him.  “As a matter of fact, I’m doubtful whether you have met any who would bear the comparison.  It was the sillier ones who made a fuss over you.”

“I know of one,” Edgar resumed.  “As it happens, she’s in Canada.”

“I’d a suspicion of something of the kind,” George said dryly.

Edgar made no answer, but presently he changed the subject.

“What’s the least one could take up a farm here with, and have a fair chance of success?”

“One understands it has been done with practically nothing on preempted land, though I’m rather dubious.  In your case, I’d fix five thousand dollars as the minimum; more would be decidedly better.”

“Yes,” said Edgar thoughtfully; “that’s about my idea; and I suppose it could be raised, though my share of what was left us has nearly all been spent in cramming me with knowledge I’ve no great use for.  Stephen, however, has done pretty well, and I think he always realized that it would be his privilege to give me a lift; I’ve no doubt he’ll write to you as soon as I mention the matter, and your answer will have its effect.”  He looked at George with anxious eyes.  “I venture to think you’ll strain a point to say what you can in my favor?”

“In the first place, I’ll ride over to the Butte and have supper with Taunton, as soon as I can find the time.”

“Thanks,” responded Edgar gratefully; “you won’t have any doubts after that.”  Then he broke into laughter.  “You’ll excuse me, but it’s really funny, George.”

“I don’t see the joke,” George said shortly.

Edgar tried to look serious, and failed.

“I can imagine your trying to weigh up Helen; starting a subtle conversation to elucidate her character, and showing what you were after and your profound ignorance with every word; though you mustn’t suppose I’d be afraid of submitting her to the severest test.  Why, you wouldn’t even know when a girl was in love with you, unless she told you so.  Perhaps it’s some excuse that your mind’s fixed on one woman to the exclusion of all the rest, though one could imagine that, as you think of her, she’s as unreal and as far removed from anything made of flesh and blood as a saint in a picture.  After all, I dare say it’s a very proper feeling.”

George left him, half amused and half disturbed.  He did not resent Edgar’s freedom of speech, but the latter had a way of mixing hints that were not altogether foolish with his badinage, and his comrade was inclined to wonder what he had meant by one suggestive remark.  It troubled him as he strolled along the edge of the tall green wheat, but he comforted himself with the thought that, after all, Edgar’s conversation was often unworthy of serious consideration.