"... Ah." John blinks, belatedly recognizing the compulsion for what it was and warring with the idea that he should apologize for it. He can't quite stomach the idea of conceding anything to someone who's been so relentlessly snide. But the truth, underhanded as its acquisition may have been, does provide some helpful context on both the house and her attitude (insufferable as that may be).

"I didn't realize you were a ghost," he says, employing stiff civility in lieu of contrition. "And I can only assume you're not one of the local ones. You arrived with the house, I take it?"