I wish--as I have said--to unpack this
house; and I should like to leave my property in order before I die.
Which reminds me, I should of course be perfectly ready to make proper
provision, by contract, or otherwise, so that in the event of any sudden
termination of our agreement--my death for instance--you should be
adequately protected. Well, there, in outline, is my proposal!"
During this extraordinary speech Faversham's countenance had reflected
with tolerable clearness the various impressions made by it--incredulous
or amused astonishment--bewilderment--deepening gravity--coming round
again to astonishment. He raised himself in his chair.
"You wish to make me your agent--the agent for these immense estates?"
"I do. I had an excellent agent once--twenty years ago. But old Dovedale
stole him from me--bribed him by higher pay. Since then I have had
nothing but clerks--rent-collectors--rascally makeshifts, all of them."
"But I know nothing about land--I have had no experience!"
"A misfortune--but in some ways to the good. I don't want any cocksure
fellow, with brand-new ideas lording it over me. I should advise you of
course."
"But--at the same time--I should not be content with a mere clerk's
place, Mr. Melrose," said Paversham, a momentary flash in his dark eye.
"I am one of those men who are better as principals than as subordinates.
Otherwise I should be in harness by now."
Melrose eyed him askance for a moment--then said: "I understand.
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