Osborne smiled tolerantly.
“It’s hardly likely that Ruth will feel tempted to speculate in real estate. Besides, the tax is optional. The people needn’t pay it unless they like.”
“That’s a quibble,” Miss Dexter replied shrewdly. “They wouldn’t buy your lots at an extravagant price if there was another site available.”
“It’s unwise to jump at conclusions. As a matter of fact, there are two better sites in the market.”
Miss Dexter looked puzzled.
“If that’s true,” she declared, “the matter’s more suspicious than before. There’s something not straight.”
“I’m afraid there often is,” Osborne responded good-humoredly. “Still, while I can’t hope for your approval of all my doings, I don’t think you have much reason to question my veracity.”
“I have none. I beg your pardon, Henry,” Miss Dexter said with some dignity. “I’m glad to say that I’ve always found your word reliable.”
“That’s something to my credit, anyway.” Osborne turned to Clay. “My sister-in-law has no admiration for our modern business ethics.”
“There she shows sense,” Clay answered with a smile. “I’m old-fashioned enough to believe, ma’am, that the less women have to do with business the better.”