'Of course he may,' said Wych Hazel, 'but not half so much as I do. To consult him, would be saying no to me, Gov. Powder. And you know you are going to say yes.'
'I don't understand doing business with ladies!' said the poor governor, shaking his head. 'I can get along with my own sort. Miss Kennedy, there are certain complications, which I cannot explain to you. Paul Charteris has been at me to get those very acres that you want. What would he say, if I threw him over and sold them to you? I guess you must let me settle with him first.'
'Tell him you sold the land to somebody who offered more,' said
Hazel. 'That is easy enough. How much would he give, sir?'
'Ah but, the thing is, there are complications,there are complications,' repeated the governor. 'Give? He don't want to give above the half of your twenty thousand; and I couldn't in conscience take the whole. The land is not worth so much as that, Miss Kennedy. But young ladies don't understand complications,' he added with a smile. 'I can't just throw Paul over, without a word.'
'Push him off,' said Hazel. 'Nobody can teach me anything about complications!Push him off, sir. Just give him a negative and do not say why.'
'What do you want it for?'
'Just now,' said Hazel, 'I want to get ahead of Mr. Charteris.'
'I may tell him I have an offer of twelve thousand?' said the governor, who was badly in want of money.
'Certainly, sir. If you will first say three words to make sure Mr.
Charteris shall not get ahead of me.'
'Well, well!' said the governor'here come people, Miss Kennedy,he shall not get ahead of you. At any rate, I'll settle nothing with him without letting you know. He can't outbid you you're pretty safe. Do I understand that you want this affair kept private, between you and me?'