Only, he cannot do it and live in one of our cottages.

I don't think we need discuss this further." "I beg your pardon--" The words had come from Derek.

Lady Malloring paused in her walk toward the bell.

With his peculiar thin-lipped smile the boy went on: "We imagined you would say no; we really came because we thought it fair to warn you that there may be trouble." Lady Malloring smiled.
"This is a private matter between us and our tenants, and we should be so glad if you could manage not to interfere." Derek bowed, and put his hand within his sister's arm.

But Sheila did not move; she was trembling with anger.
"Who are you," she suddenly burst out, "to dispose of the poor, body and soul?
Who are you, to dictate their private lives?
If they pay their rent, that should be enough for you." Lady Malloring moved swiftly again toward the bell.