"
A shade of perplexed trouble crossed George's face, and some creases
appeared in his forehead; but he smoothed them away and laid down his
paper.
"Priscilla, put away your work for a moment and just listen."
Priscilla was making something in the shape of netting by means of
pins and a long loop which was fastened under her foot.
"I can listen, George; there is no occasion to put it away."
"Well then," he answered, placing both his elbows on the table, and
resting his face upon them, "all corn which comes into this country
pays a duty--that you understand. Consequently it cannot be sold
here for less than sixty shillings a quarter. Of course, if that is
the case, English wheat is kept up to a higher price than it would
fetch it there was no duty. Therefore bread is, as I calculate,
about twopence a loaf dearer than it ought to be. And why should it
be? That's what I want to know."
"I believe," said Priscilla, "we might save a good bit by baking at
home."
"Yes, yes; but never mind that now. You know that foreign corn pays
a duty. You do know that?"
"Yes," said Priscilla, because there was nothing else to be said.
"Well, then, you must see that, if that be so, farmers can obtain a
higher price for English corn.
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