It's a question of buying and selling.

I offer the thing to you first.

I reckon Fulkerson couldn't get on very well without you." March saw the real difference in the two cases, and he was glad to see it, because he could act more decisively if not hampered by an obligation to consistency.

"I am gratified, of course, Mr.Dryfoos; extremely gratified; and it's no use pretending that I shouldn't be happy beyond bounds to get possession of 'Every Other Week.' But I don't feel quite free to talk about it apart from Mr.Fulkerson." "Oh, all right!" said the old man, with quick offence.
March hastened to say: "I feel bound to Mr.Fulkerson in every way.

He got me to come here, and I couldn't even seem to act without him." He put it questioningly, and the old man answered: "Yes, I can see that.