s neatly furnished.
It contained a double bed and the usual chamber furniture.

"It will accommodate two gentlemen nicely," said Mrs. Norris. "Perhaps,
after you get acquainted with Mr. Warren, you may strike up a bargain to
room with him."

"I don't think I should like to room with a sickly gentleman."

"Well, there is something in that. One night Mr. Warren had a fit--I
don't know what kind of one--and rolled onto the floor. I room just
underneath, and I was very much frightened."

"It would have frightened me, too, if I had roomed with him."

"Well, fits ain't very pleasant, I allow."

"Who rooms in the third room, next to mine?"

"A young man of eighteen, named Perkins. I don't rightly know what sort
of a place he is in. I think it's a neckwear store on Spring Street."

Andy was rather glad to learn that there was one boarder somewhere near
his own age.

He did not think he should enjoy the acquaintance of Mr. Warren. He was
prejudiced against him by the knowledge that he was sickly and had fits.

"There are other boarders on my second floor. You will make their
acquaintance at the table."

"What are your hours for meals, Mrs. Norris?"

"We have lunch from twelve to one. Breakfast is from seven to nine, and
we have dinner from six to seven, though in the case of a boarder who
is kept later by business we stretch a point, and try to accommodate
him. I hope that will suit you."

"Oh, I am sure it will."

"Shall you be at lunch to-day?"

"No, I don't think so. I am going to explore the city a little."

"Very few of my boarders are present at lunch. Still there is a bite for
them, if they do come."

"I would like to wash, if you will send up some water and a towel."

"Eva will bring them right up. Have you soap of your own?"

"Yes."

"Gentlemen often prefer providing their own. If you will give me your
name in full, I will enter it on my books."

"My name is Andrew Grant."

"Very well."

"What is your rate of board? Mr. Gale will pay it, but I should like to
know what it is."

"Five dollars a week for your room. Mr. Warren pays seven, but he has a
large room to himself. If you should decide to room with him, I shall
charge you five dollars apiece."

"Thank you; I don't think we shall come to any agreement."

She went downstairs, and Andy surveyed his room with interest.

It was certainly small--quite the narrowest room he had ever seen. There
was one window from which he had a view of