"
Dane looked thoughtful, and noticed the older man's glance in his
niece's direction, as he said, "I am afraid there are difficult times
before us."
"I have no doubt we shall weather them as we have done before," said
the Colonel. "Still, I can't help admitting that just now I feel--a
little tired--and am commencing to think we should have been better
prepared for the struggle had we worked a trifle harder during the
recent era of prosperity. I could wish there were older heads on the
shoulders of those who will come after me."
Just then Maud Barrington glanced at them, and Dane, who could not
remember having heard his leader talk in that fashion before, and could
guess his anxieties, was a little touched as he noticed his attempt at
sprightliness. As it happened, one of the lads at the piano commenced
a song of dogs and horses that had little to recommend it but the brave
young voice.
"They have the right spirit, sir," he said.
"Of course!" said Barrington. "They are English lads, but I think a
little more is required. Thank God we have not rated the dollar too
high, but it is possible we have undervalued its utility, and I fear I
have only taught them to be gentlemen."
"That is a good deal, sir," Dane said quietly.
"It is. Still, a gentleman, in the restricted sense, is somewhat of an
anachronism on the prairie, and it is too late to begin again. In the
usual course of nature I must lay down my charge presently, and that is
why I feel the want of a more capable successor, whom they would follow
because of his connection with mine and me.
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