"But not your suitability. I'm not looking for a man whom nobody else will have."
Gerald looked at him in astonishment. Though he had not given the matter much thought, he had imagined that Harding would be glad to do him a favor for his sister's sake. It was something of a shock to be refused. And the manner of the refusal was mortifying. The fellow was a coarser brute than he had thought; but Gerald did not mean to let his resentment run away with him.
"I have a few useful qualifications," he said. "Some of the bigger implement dealers and the heads of the milling firms are men of taste and education. It's possible they might rather deal with me than with a drummer fellow, or a raw farmer fresh from the soil."
"I'm fresh from the soil, but I guess I could run this end of the business," Harding returned.
Gerald saw that he had blundered; but he did not feel beaten yet.
"Perhaps I'd better mention that I spoke to Kenwyne and Broadwood, and they were willing that I should have the agency."
"That's so. I have a letter from Kenwyne, who says he'd like to give you a lift, but leaves me to decide."
"Then his wishes ought to count. You must see that your position at Allenwood won't be easy; it will need some tact to make it comfortable, and your giving me the post would go a long distance in your favor. You can't afford to disregard our people's feelings until you've made your footing good."
"Can I not?" Harding's patience was exhausted. "Have I ever tried to gain your friends' favor by indulging any of their crank notions? If necessary, I'll put my plans through in spite of the crowd!" He checked himself. "But this has nothing to do with the matter. You're not the man I want."
"May I inquire what kind of a man you do want?"