How long have they not met each other?

W: Good morning, Mr. Tim. It’s a long time since I had the pleasure of a visit from you.
M: Yes, it must be three or four years. I haven’t visited you since I called about my will. You helped me with that, you remember?
W: Yes, I remember. Do you want to make any changes in your will?
M: I don’t think that will be necessary, but you’ll tell me if it is. I left everything, you remember, to my wife, and, after her death, to my son Jerry. I’ve about $15 000 in shares of industrial companies. These bring in, after paying tax, about $1 125 a year. Well, I’m earning a good salary now, and I shall get a good pension from my employers, so my wife and I can live fairly comfortably with this extra income. I want to buy some land and build a house for my son. It’s time he get married, and he needs a house. I’m thinking of building one and giving it to him.
W: Your son’s fortunate. So you want my help buying the land and building the house?
M: Yes, that’s right. As soon as you’ve done what’s necessary for buying the land, Jerry and I will see an architect.
W: Have you found a plot yet?
M: Jerry was in Edinburgh last Saturday and saw a plot he likes. My wife and I went there two days ago, and we liked it, too. I’d like you to make the necessary inquiries for me.
W: I’d be pleased to do that. I shall have to write to the Local Authority and inquire whether it is allowed to build a house on your piece of land. You’re not allowed to build a house without permission from the Planning Authority. And sometimes the Authority decides that a house must be built of stone, and not of brick, so that it doesn’t spoil the surrounding village.