human
I suppose you know the Applebirds are leaving my farm?
gpt
Yes, Mrs. Applebird told my mother. Going to Sticklepath.
human
Not easy to get a tenant to take their place.
gpt
Is it not? Such a farm as yours? I should have thought there need be no difficulty.
human
There are tenants and tenants. How would you like it--you and your mother? Then you could marry and be comfortable. No doubt Chris Blanchard would make a splendid farmer's wife.
gpt
It would be like walking into paradise for me; but--
human
The rent needn't bother you. My first care is a good tenant. Besides, rent may take other shapes than pounds, shillings, and pence.
gpt
I see, he said;
human
I can't, because it happened to be just the word I wanted to hear. My quarrel with Will Blanchard's no business of yours. The man's your enemy too; and you're a fool to stand in your own light, You know something that I don't know, concerning those weeks during which he disappeared. Well, tell me. You can only live your life once. Why let it run to rot when the Red House Farm wants a tenant? A man you despise, too.
gpt
No. I promised. Besides, you wouldn't be contented with the knowledge; you'd act on it.