“Most of the enquiries I have made have been satisfactorily answered,” she admitted. “I have found only one person who has had any criticism to make. He says that, before buying property there, one ought to have definite information about the water and lighting.” “He is a very sensible man,” Jacob agreed. “I have come here to ask about them.” “The water and lighting,” Jacob announced, “will be undertaken by the Cropstone Wood, Water and Electric Light Company, a private enterprise close at hand. The charges will be normal and the supply adequate.” “Thank you,” the girl said. “If you are sure of that it is all I came to ascertain.” She rose to her feet. Jacob was desperately unwilling to let her go. “Any direct transactions, of course, are undertaken with the city office,” he explained, “but if you will accept a letter from me to the manager, he will see that your application is promptly dealt with, and that you have all the choice of site that is possible. There is, as you may know, a great demand for the land.” “Thank you,” she replied, “I will not trouble you.” “Then again,” he went on, “there is the question of whether you want simply to buy the land and employ your own builder, or place the contract with [Pg 77]Littleham, who has an office on the Estate. My advice to you would be to go to Littleham. He can show you a dozen plans of various sized residences, he has a stock of material close at hand—” [Pg 77] “I am very much obliged,” she interrupted. “My mother and I have already decided upon one of Mr. Littleham’s cottages. It was simply because we found his answers as regards the water and electric lighting a little indefinite, that I decided to come to you.” “Indefinite?” Jacob murmured. “Yes. He told us that the water and lighting were to be supplied by the private company you spoke of, but he seemed to have no idea as to what price they would be likely to charge.” Jacob inclined his head thoughtfully. “I think you may rest assured,” he told her, “that the charge will be normal.”
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