"The question is whether I can manage two weeklies and the other things."
"No, you can't. You're not built that way. But if you take The Planet, you can afford to chuck Metropolis. Tell you the truth, that's one reason why I want you to take it."
Some of the joy died out of Rickman's face.
"The other reason is, of course, that I can't think of a better man."
"It's awfully good of you to think of me at all. But why do you want me to chuck Metropolis?"
"Never mind why. I don't say The Planet is the best imaginable place for you, nor are you the best imaginable man for The Planet; but I really can't think of a better."
"No, but why—"
"(Confound him, why can't he leave it alone? I shall lose my temper in another minute," said Maddox to himself.) "The question is, would you like it? Because, if you wouldn't, don't imagine you've got to take it to oblige me."
"Of course I'd like it. There isn't anything I'd like so well."
"It's settled then."