You can throw most of 'em in the fire.
Keep a few for form's sake. Profess to discuss them with Mr. Harper--but
let the discussion be all on your side. I'll send two or three good
testimonials--you'll incline to me from the first. You'll send for me.
Your interview with me will be highly satisfactory. And you'll give me
the appointment."
"And--your terms?" asked Mrs. Mallathorpe. Now that her own scheme had
failed, she seemed quite placable to all Pratt's proposals--a sure sign
of danger to him if he had only known it. "Better let me know them
now--and have done with it."
"Quite so," agreed Pratt. "But first of all--can you keep this secret to
yourself and me? The money part, any way?"
"I can--and shall," she answered.
"Good!" said Pratt. "Very well. I want a thousand a year. Also I want
two rooms--and a business room--at the Grange. I shall not interfere
with you or your family, or your domestic arrangements, but I shall
expect to have all my meals served to me from your kitchen, and to have
one of your servants at my disposal. I know the Grange--I've been over
it more than once. There's much more room there than you can make use
of. Give me the rooms I want in one of the wings. I shan't disturb any
of you. You'll never see me except on business--and if you want to."
Again the calm acquiescence which would have surprised some men.
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