"Something to drink, then?"
"I never drink, young man."
"If I decide to let you have these cottages—if I do," said Lady Shuttleworth, divided between astonishment at everything about Fritzing and blankest amazement at her son's behaviour, "you will understand that I only do it because my son seems to wish it."
"Madam, provided I get the cottages I will understand anything you like."
"First that. Then I'd want some information about yourself. I couldn't let a stranger come and live in the very middle of my son's estate unless I knew all about him."
"Why, mother—" began Tussie.
"Is not the willingness to give you your own price sufficient?" inquired Fritzing anxiously.
"Not in the least sufficient," snapped Lady Shuttleworth.
"What do you wish to know, madam?" said Fritzing stiffly.
"I assure you a great deal."