"I will tell you what I propose for myself, Mr. Archibald," said Mr. Ferguson, "My occupation is gone, as you know, in respect to the estate of Strathoran. Now there is Loelyin and Lochend the entailed lands--you will remember that Alexander Semple is in them, and there are three years of his lease to run; but Semple has little capital and no enterprise, and I think would be glad to get rid of his lease and try a more productive farm. It is poor land." Archibald looked up vaguely, not seeing what the factor's remarks tended to: "The land is poor but improvable," continued Mr. Ferguson; "and the farm of Woodsmuir, which I have occupied myself, is in excellent condition. I believe that with capital and perseverance, the value of these entailed lands might be more than doubled, and Mr. Coulter, a practical man of high authority, bears me out." Archibald shook his head sadly: "We have no capital, Mr. Ferguson." "We have thought of that," said Mr. Ferguson; "but your friends--Mrs. Catherine for example--have, and this would be no temporary relief, but a certain benefit." "I see," said Archibald; "and yet it is impossible. My most kind friends, do not think it is pride--of all things there is none that would become me worse than that; but I am quite unfit for this trial. I question if now, with my mind excited and unsettled as it has been, I could endure the placid routine of a farmer's life anywhere. I have rather been looking forward to unceasing labor of a more engrossing kind, as the only wholesome discipline for me; but _here_ it is impossible--to live within sight of Strathoran, to reap the bitter fruits of my folly day by day, without intermission, upon my own alienated land--it would kill me--I could not do it, I could do anything but that." The factor had been waiting eagerly, with his hand lifted.--"Certainly not--surely not--we never could think of such a thing, Mr. Archibald. You must hear out my plan. What I propose is, that I, who have some knowledge of agriculture, and a taste for it, should take these farms into my own hand. I have consulted Mr. Coulter, and I will have the full benefit of his advice; and I am confident of Mrs. Catherine's assistance. In such an investment, capital is perfectly secure, and subject to no vicissitudes--very few, at least; and I fully believe, that, carefully and scientifically cultivated, we may quadruple the poor two hundred a year it yields now: so that, in addition to your own success, which I have no doubt is certain, if you throw your whole strength into any profession, there will be, in not very many years, a property of seven or eight hundred a year waiting for you. The original property, Mr. Archibald, with opportunity of adding to it, perhaps, bit by bit, from the rest of the estate--"