human
I've been looking into accounts, Judson, Wannop began abruptly.
gpt
After deducting your commission and the cost of the repairs you agreed to, I find that the return on my property for the past year is small. Now I met Maxwell the other day and he hinted that it might be managed to better advantage.
human
I understood you didn't wish to put the screw on your tenants; and it isn't good policy.
gpt
No, said Wannop;
human
I want to be fair. I don't think Andrew Allinson would wish any undue pressure put on his tenants either. As we talk over things now and then, I know his views.
gpt
My business and Andrew's should be worth a good deal to you, though Maxwell seemed to think that both could be improved.
human
Maxwell couldn't get you a penny more than I have got, Judson declared.
gpt
I should be very sorry if you contemplated a change.
human
I shouldn't do so without a strong reason. You look after the Reverend Robert Allinson's property, but your commission on it can't be large.
gpt
It is not,
human
Well, went on Wannop,
gpt
I saw Mrs. Olcott yesterday, and she mentioned the misunderstanding about her lease. I may tell you that Mrs. Wannop and Miss Allinson are friends of hers.
human
Mr. Andrew called here in a hurry and said he had got a tenant for The Firs and I was to have some alterations made. He was driving, and as his horse was restive he ran out before we could talk over details.
gpt
Atkinson will take the field off your hands. It's not usual to charge a tenant with needful repairs; and you mustn't be hard on Mrs. Olcott about the rent. Perhaps you had better go over and put things straight with her.
human
Here's a more important matter. I've decided to buy Bell's place, and you can see his agent and the architect as soon as convenient.
gpt
I've seen Mrs. Olcott and Judson, he told her.
human
It's very unlikely that she'll have any more trouble about The Firs.
gpt
That's splendid! cried Hilda.
human
But how did you manage it?
gpt
My dear girl, an explanation isn't always desirable. When you know how a thing's done it spoils the trick.
human
Oh, well, said Hilda,
gpt
There's some truth in that, Wannop laughed.
human
I feel that we have held our own against the more brilliant members of the family. But here's Robert!
gpt
You seem amused, he remarked.
human
May I share the joke?
gpt
The point's involved, Wannop said.
human
However, you'll agree that the wisest people's plans sometimes fail.
gpt
I can't deny it, said Robert, looking puzzled.
human
Still, I fail to understand what the failure of wise people's plans has to do with us.
gpt
As a modest man, said Wannop,
human
I'll admit that it doesn't seem to have much to do with me.