Ralph could not help wondering what was in William's mind. He had said practically nothing the previous evening. He had asked a few questions, and pointed out certain difficulties, but he had committed himself to nothing, yet it seemed clear that he had some scheme in his mind which he would reveal when he had duly considered it.
For a few minutes they talked generalities, then William plunged into the subject that was uppermost in the thoughts of both.
"I don't wonder that you want to get hold of the freehold of Hillside," he said. "I should if I were in your place. Apart from sentiment, the business side appeals strongly. The discovery of a good tin lode there would be the making of St. Goram----"
"And the ruin of the farm," Ralph interjected.
"Well, the erection of a big engine-house on the top of the hill and fire stamps in Dingley Bottom would certainly not improve the appearance of things from an artistic point of view."
"'There is no gain except by loss,'" Ralph quoted, with a smile.
"True; but we all ought to consider the greatest good of the greatest number."
"Don't credit me with virtues I don't possess," he said. "I confess I'm thinking in the first instance only of myself."
"Well, I suppose that's only natural," William said seriously. "But now to business. If you purchase the farm at the squire's price, how much money will you require beyond what you have?"
"Yes. I told you last night the concrete had turned out well."
"It can be done easily," William said, with a sudden brightening of his face.
"I will advance you all the money you want, either as a loan or on mortgage."
"I do. But on one condition--and that is that you do not say anything to your sister about it."
"But why not? I have no secrets from Ruth."
William coloured and looked uncomfortable.
"It's merely a whim of mine," he said. "Women don't understand business, and she might think I was doing you a great favour, and I don't want her to think anything of the kind."
"But you are doing me an immense favour!"
"I'm not, really. The margin of security will be, if not ample, at least sufficient; and if the lode should prove of value, why, you will be able to pay off the loan in no time."
"If the lode should prove of any value, William, you shall go shares!" Ralph said impulsively.