human
I've had a chat with Horsfield,
gpt
Well?
human
He may merely have meant to make himself agreeable, and he may have wished to extract information about you: If the latter was his object, he was not successful.
gpt
Ah! Nairn's straight, anyway, and to be relied on. I like him and his wife.
human
So do I, though they differ from some of the others. There's not much gilding on either of them.
gpt
It's not needed; they're sterling metal.
human
That's my own idea.
gpt
I don't know whether it's a very suitable time to mention it; but may I ask whether you are any nearer a decision about that smelter? Candidly, I'd like the contract.
human
I am not, Vane answered.
gpt
I can't make up my mind, and I may postpone the matter indefinitely. It might prove more profitable to ship the ore out for reduction.
human
Of course, I can't press you; but I may, perhaps, suggest that, as we'll have to work together in other matters, I might be able to give you a quid pro quo.
gpt
That occurred to me. On the other hand, I don't know how much importance I ought to attach to the consideration.
human
Oh, well; I must wait until you're ready.
gpt
How does Vane strike you? he asked.
human
You seem to get on with him.
gpt
I've an idea that you won't find him easy to influence,
human
I'm inclined to agree with you. In spite of that, he's a man whose acquaintance is worth cultivating.