And now our story is drawing to a close. The stormy period of the
Mount Pleasant settlement was over. The hard work, the difficulties
and dangers of the life of a new settler on the extreme edge of
civilization, had been passed, and nothing remained but to continue
to devote attention and energy to the estate, and to reap the
fruits of the labor.
For two years after the departure of his wife and daughters Mr.
Hardy remained at his post. It was now nearly six years since he
had left England, and he longed to return to it. He felt that he
could do so without any uneasiness as to the future. Rosario was,
according to his anticipation, rising into a large and important
town; the country was fairly settled for leagues beyond the estate;
land was rapidly rising in value; and there was now no fear
whatever of Indian attacks. His flocks and herds had multiplied
greatly, and were doubling every two years. The income obtained by
the sale of cattle fatted on the alfalfa, and upon the sale of wool
and other farm produce, was considerable. The dairy alone brought
in a large yearly amount. Charley was now twenty-two, Hubert a year
younger; both were as capable of managing the estate as he was
himself.
He one day, therefore, unfolded his plans to them.
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