Yes, he was staying in the neighbourhood—at Lostford in fact. House property near the river. Liable to floods.
Did he mention the word floods?
Yes. Floods at certain seasons of the year. Time to take measures now before the autumn, etc.
Magdalen was glad to hear of some measures being taken. Long needed.
Yes, culpable neglect.
A wall?
Yes, a wall. Certainly a wall.
Bessie rose, marched to the door, opened it, hit her body against it, and went out.
A certain degree of constraint went with her.
"I had your Father's leave to come," he said after a moment. "I should not have ventured to do so otherwise."