"You gave a hundred pounds for the lease."
"The precise sum; your information is correct."
"I had some intention, Mr. Cohen, of buying it myself."
"Indeed! Why did you not do so?"
"There were reasons. Not pecuniary, I beg to say. I delayed too long, and you stepped in before me."
"A case of the early bird catching the worm," Aaron observed, with a smile.
"If it gratifies you to put it that way. I have, therefore, no option but to purchase the lease of you."
"Mr. Whimpole," said Aaron, after a slight pause, "I am agreeable to sell you the lease."
"I thought as much." And Mr. Whimpole disposed himself comfortably in his chair.
Rachel's eyes dilated in surprise. Their settlement in Gosport had not been made in haste, and all arrangements for commencing the business were made. She could not understand her husband's willingness to give up the house.