Being an old friend of George's, she occasionally assumed the privilege of one.
"I hear you are going to Canada.

What is taking you there again ?" she asked.
"I am going to look after some farming property, for one thing." Ethel regarded him with amusement.
"Sylvia Marston's, I suppose ?" "Yes," George answered rather shortly.
"Then what's the other purpose you have in view ?" George hesitated.
"I'm not sure I have another motive." "So I imagined.

You're rather an exceptional man--in some respects." "If that's true, I wasn't aware of it," George retorted.
Ethel laughed.
"It's hardly worth while to prove my statement; we'll talk of something else.

Has Herbert told you anything about his business since you came back?
I suppose you have noticed signs of increased prosperity ?" "I'm afraid I'm not observant, and Herbert isn't communicative." "Perhaps he's wise.

Still, the fact that he's putting up a big new orchard-house has some significance.