They force their way in at all hours.

They ask all sorts of impudent questions--and they show you plainly that they don't mean to believe your answers, before you have time to make them.

Some wretch of a woman says, 'Do you think the drains are right ?'--and sniffs suspiciously, before I can say Yes.

Some brute of a man asks, 'Are you quite sure this house is solidly built, ma'am ?'--and jumps on the floor at the full stretch of his legs, without waiting for me to reply.

Nobody believes in our gravel soil and our south aspect.