Everything was prospering beyond Mr. Hardy's most sanguine
expectations. More and more land was monthly being broken up and
irrigated. Large profits had been realized by buying lean cattle
during the dry season, fattening them upon alfalfa, and sending
them down to Rosario for sale. The pigs had multiplied
astonishingly; and the profits from the dairy were increasing
daily, as more cows were constantly added. The produce of Mount
Pleasant was so valued at both Rosario and Buenos Ayres that the
demand, at most remunerative prices, far exceeded the supply.
Additions had been made to the number of peons, and the farm
presented quite an animated appearance.
The two years which had elapsed since the Hardys left England had
effected a considerable change in their appearance. Charley was now
eighteen--a squarely-built, sturdy young fellow. From his life of
exposure in the open air he looked older than he was. He had a
strong idea that he was now becoming a man; and Ethel had one day
detected him examining his cheeks very closely in the glass, to see
if there were any signs of whiskers. It was a debated question in
his own mind whether a beard would or would not be becoming to him.
Hubert was nearly seventeen: he was taller and slighter than his
brother, but was younger both in appearance and manners.
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