Winthrop, the sum of five dollars a month rent.” “A fair figure, I presume, as rents go hereabouts,” observed Winthrop, subduing a smile. [98] [98] The Major cleared his throat. Then he leaned across and laid a large hand on Winthrop’s knee. “A small price, Mr. Winthrop, and that’s the truth. And I don’t deny that after the property fell into Mr. Potter’s hands I was troubled right smart by my conscience. As long as it was Judge Linderman it was all right; he was a Southerner, one of us, and could understand. No offense intended, Mr. Winthrop. But afterwards when I wrote Mr. Potter of the arrangement in force and—ah—suggested its continuance, I felt that maybe I was taking advantage of his absence from the scene. To be sure the amount was all that the ladies could afford to pay, and it isn’t likely that Mr. Potter could have found more satisfactory tenants. Still, I dare say it was my place to tell him that the figure was pretty cheap, and let him try and do better with the property. I reckon I allowed my interest in my clients to sway my judgment, Mr. Winthrop. But I made up my mind when I got your letter and[99] learned you were coming here that I’d explain things to you, sir, and let you do as you thought best.” [99] “In regard to——?” “In regard to re-renting, sir.” “But I had intended occupying the house myself, Major.” “So I gathered, sir, so I gathered. But of course you couldn’t know what the circumstances were, Mr. Winthrop. It isn’t as though the place was family property, sir, with you; not as though it was your birthplace and home. It’s just a house and a few acres of ground to you, sir; it has no—ah—sentimental value. You follow me, sir?” “Yes, and you are beginning to make me feel like an interloper, Major Cass.” “God forbid, sir! I had no such intention, I assure you, sir. I am sure no one could be more welcome at any time to Waynewood, and I trust, sir, that we shall often have the pleasure of seeing
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