"How do I know? Got tired of being there, I suppose."
"How long was he there?"
"Nearly three years."
"Where is he now?"
"That's more than I can say. Why do you wish to know?"
"Why!" I repeated. "Because it is more satisfactory to me to hear about the house from someone who has lived in it. Has he left no address?"
"Not that I know of, and it's more than two years since he was here."
"What! The house has been empty all that time?"
"Two years is not very long. Houses—even town houses—are frequently unoccupied for longer than that. I think you'll like it."
I did not speak again till the drive was over, and we drew up outside the landlord's house. I then said, "Let me have an agreement. I've made up my mind to take it. Three years and the option to stay on."