e understand it's on a business footing," she
said.

"O' course," said the other, with affected surprise. "What do you think
I want it on?"

"You come here as a stranger, and I look after you as a stranger,"
continued his wife.

"Certainly," said the other. "I shall be made more comfortable that way,
I'm sure. But, of course, if you're afraid, as I said before, of giving
way to tender----"

"Tender fiddlesticks!" interrupted his wife, flushing and eying him
angrily.

"I'll come in and bring my things at nine o'clock to-night," said Mr.
Hatchard. "I'd like the windows open and the rooms aired a bit. And
what about the sheets?"

"What about them?" inquired his wife.

"Don't put me in damp sheets, that's all," said Mr. Hatchard. "One place
I was at----"

He broke off suddenly.

"Well!" said his wife, quickly.

"Was very particular about them," said Mr. Hatchard, recovering. "Well,
good-afternoon to you, ma'am."

"I want three weeks in advance," said his wife. "Three--" exclaimed the
other. "Three weeks in advance? Why----"

"Those are my terms," said Mrs. Hatchard. "Take 'em or leave 'em.
P'r'aps it would be better if you left 'em."

Mr. Hatchard looked thoughtful, and then with obvious reluctance took his
purse from one pocket and some silver from another, and made up the
required sum.

"And what if I'm not comfortable here?" he inquired, as his wife hastily
pocketed the money. "It'll be your own fault," was the reply.

Mr. Hatchard looked dubious, and, in a thoughtful fashion, walked
downstairs and let himself out. He began to think that the joke was of
a more complicated nature than he had expected, and it was not without
forebodings that he came back at nine o'clock that night accompanied by a
boy with his baggage.

His gloom disappeared the moment the door opened. The air inside was
warm and comfortable, and pervaded by an appetizing smell of cooked
meats. Upstairs a small bright fire and a neatly laid supper-table
awaited his arrival.

He sank into an easy-chair and rubbed his hands. Then his gaze fell on a
small bell on the table, and opening the door he rang for supper.

"Yes, sir," said Mrs. Hatchard, entering the room. "Supper, please,"
said the new lodger, with dignity.

Mrs. Hatchard looked bewildered. "Well, there it is," she said,
indicating the table. "You don't want me to feed you, do you?"

The lodger eyed the small, dry piece of cheese, the bread and butte