"I certainly got along better in his time."
"No doubt. He was a great deal too easy with you. Didn't do his duty, sir. Wasn't sharp enough. That's all."
"You certainly cannot be in earnest in raising my rent, Mr. Fairfield," said the farmer, uneasily.
"I certainly am."
"I can't live at all if you increase my rent, which is already larger than I can afford to pay, Mr. Fairfield."
"Then I must find a tenant who can and will," said the agent, emphatically.
"I am sure Mr. Percival can't understand the true state of the case, or the circumstances of his tenants. Will you give me his address, and I will take the liberty of writing to him and respectfully remonstrate against any increase?"
Mr. Fairfield looked uneasy.
This appeal would not at all suit him. Yet how could he object without leading to the suspicion that he was acting in this matter wholly on his own responsibility, and not by the express orders of his principal? How could he refuse to furnish Mr. Percival's address?
A middle course occurred to him.