She went on,
with a clearing countenance.
'So--if you really wish it--I will stay, Mr. Mannering--and try to
help you all I can. It was splendid of you--to give up your plans.
I'm sure you won't regret it.'
'I'm not sure at all--but it's done. Now, then, let us understand.
You take over my estate correspondence. You'll want a clerk--I'll
find one. You can appoint a new agent if you like. You can do what
you like, in fact. I was never meant to be a landowner, and I hate
the whole business. You can harry the farmers as you please--I
shan't interfere.'
'Allow me to point out,' said Elizabeth firmly, 'that at college I
was not trained in land-agency--but in Greek!'
'What does that matter? If women can build Dreadnoughts, as they say
they can, they can manage estates. Now, then, as to my conditions.
Do what you like--but my book and the catalogue come _first_!' He
looked at her with an exacting eye.
'Certainly,' said Elizabeth.
'But I know what you'll do--you'll go and break down! You are _not_
to break down.
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