Her voice failed a little. The Squire said nothing. She went on, with a clearing countenance.
'So--if you really wish it--I will stay, Mr. Mannering--and try to help you all I can. It was splendid of you--to give up your plans. I'm sure you won't regret it.'
'I'm not sure at all--but it's done. Now, then, let us understand. You take over my estate correspondence. You'll want a clerk--I'll find one. You can appoint a new agent if you like. You can do what you like, in fact. I was never meant to be a landowner, and I hate the whole business. You can harry the farmers as you please--I shan't interfere.'
'Allow me to point out,' said Elizabeth firmly, 'that at college I was not trained in land-agency--but in Greek!'
'What does that matter? If women can build Dreadnoughts, as they say they can, they can manage estates. Now, then, as to my conditions. Do what you like--but my book and the catalogue come _first_!' He looked at her with an exacting eye.
'But I know what you'll do--you'll go and break down! You are _not_ to break down.'
Her start was perceptible, but she answered quietly.
'I was ill a year ago--partly from overwork. But I am normally quite strong.'
The Squire observed her. It was very pleasant to him to see her sitting there, in her trim serge dress, with its broad white collar and cuffs--the sheen of her hair against the dark wall--her shapely hands ready for work upon his table. He felt as if he had with enormous difficulty captured--recaptured--something of exceptional value; like one of those women 'skilled in beautiful arts' whom the Greek slave-raiders used to carry off from a conquered city, and sell for large sums to the wives of wealthy Greek chieftains. Till now he had scarcely thought of her as a woman, but rather as a fine-edged but most serviceable tool which he had had the extraordinary good luck to find. Now, with his mere selfish feeling of relief there mingled something rather warmer and more human. If only she would stay, he would honestly try and make life agreeable to her.
'Well now, that's settled,' he said, drawing a long breath--'Oh--except one thing--you will of course want a larger salary?'
'Not at all,' said Elizabeth decidedly. 'You pay me quite enough.'