"Yes, he is rather that way inclined," said Janet.
"I wanted him to take Ladderedge at once, even if we didn't move into it. Anyhow we couldn't move into it immediately, because of the repairs and things. They'll take a fine time, I know. We can get it for sixty pounds a year. And what's sixty pounds more or less to Edwin? It's no more than what the rent of this house would be. But no, he wouldn't! He must see where he stands with this house before he does anything else! You can't alter him, you know!"
The door was cautiously pushed, and Ingpen entered.
"So you're discussing her!" he said, low, with a satiric grin.
"Discussing who?" Hilda sharply demanded.
"You know."
"Tertius," said Hilda, "you're worse than a woman."
He giggled with delight.
"I suppose you mean that to be very severe."
"If you want to know, we were talking about Ladderedge."