It looks like a business, because many men
are employed, and it's a kind of thing that spreads itself, and
bears looking at. But it leaves nothing behind.'
'It's not quite so bad as that, I hope,' said George.
'Upon my word then it is not much better, my boy. When you've
charged yourself with interest on the money spent on the mills,
there is not much to boast about. You're bound to replant every
yard you strip, and yet the Commune expects as high a rent as when
there was no planting to be done at all. They couldn't get it, only
that men like myself have their money in the mills, and can't well
get out of the trade.'
'I don't think you'd like to give it up, father.'
'Well, no. It gives me exercise and something to do. The women
manage most of it down at the house; but there must be a change when
Marie has gone. I have hardly looked it in the face yet, but I know
there must be a change. She has grown up among it till she has it
all at her fingers' ends. I tell you what, George, she is a girl in
a hundred,--a girl in a hundred.
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