human
The stores which bought from me became impatient when I didn't refill their orders, and bought from this other man _at a lower price_! He paid more for the lace-work, and sells it for less!
gpt
Had you marked the goods too high, Daddy? she asked.
human
I mean so high that this other man could afford to sell for less, and still make money?
gpt
No, I hadn't. I was taking a very small profit, because I was afraid to make the work too expensive, for fear it wouldn't sell. And there's a big tax to pay, besides, for bringing it into the United States from Canada. No, every way I figure it out, this man must be losing money.
human
So you see, dear, there's nothing I can do, he concluded.
gpt
It would be folly for me to go on, because even if the convent would sell to me again, I would have to pay this new high price--and lose more money. The best thing I can do is pay my debts--sublet my offices, if I can, for unfortunately I took a long term lease--and get out. And be thankful I haven't lost more!
human
But Daddy, aren't you going to even try to solve the mystery? asked Linda, her eyes blazing with anger.
gpt
Somebody is just planning to kick you out, taking a loss for a few months, so as to get the business! It can't last. Why not take my money and go on--at a loss--for a while?
human
But I couldn't hold out as long as he could. He probably has a lot more capital than I have, and could afford to play a losing game for a long while, until he had wiped me out, and gotten hold of the trade for himself. He's probably begun already to build up a trade all over the country, while so far I've only handled some of eastern cities--as far as Chicago. No, Daughter, I'm afraid I've made a mistake--I'm not the sort of fellow for cut-throat competition, as they all practice in business today.
gpt
Hold on for a little while longer, Daddy, and--investigate!
human
And use up all your money?
gpt
Yes. Why not?
human
But Linda, isn't it your greatest hope to fly the Atlantic?
gpt
I think I'll give that up. There are other women flyers so much better and so much more experienced than I am, that they'll be sure to do it next spring.
human
Well, if that's the case, he said,