ill take it, then, by the month," she answered, rising, "and will
go into possession to-day."

"Well, ah, my dear madam, it is a rule I have always made, only to
rent my houses for the money, paid in advance--not that I have the
_least_ apprehension of your inability to pay me, but you see it never
does any good to deviate from fixed rules."

"I am perfectly filling to pay you in advance," she replied, taking
her port-moniae from her pocket and handing him the advance pay for one
month's rent.

Calling a clerk, Mr. Elder handed him the money, and ordered a receipt
to be made out; then turning to Mrs. Wentworth, he said:

"There is another thing, I desire to have you understand, madam, and
agree to. The fall of New Orleans has occasioned the inflation of all
kinds of real estate in price, and this, added to the rapid manner in
which Confederate notes are depreciating in value, may compel me to
raise the price of rent. I would, therefore, like you to agree, that
in no way am I bound for any time longer than the month you have paid
for, to take the present price; and another thing I desire is, that
you agree not to take advantage of the stay law, in the event of
non-payment, or refusal to pay any additional price I may charge. In
making these conditions, madam," he continued, "I must not be
understood to say that the contingencies mentioned are at all likely
to occur, as I trust and hope they will not; but at the same time, I
only desire to avoid all deviation from my usual course of doing
business."

"Any terms you may desire I will agree to," she replied in an absent
manner, "as I wish to remove from the hotel, the charges there being
above my means."

"Very well, madam, very well," he responded.

After the clerk had brought the receipt for the months rent, Mr. Elder
rose from his chair, and, requesting Mrs. Wentworth to remain seated
for a few minutes, left the apartment. He shortly after returned with
a printed document in his hand, which he requested her to sign.
Without reading the paper, she obeyed his request, and, receiving the
key of the room she had just rented, requested that Mr. Elder would
have her shown where it was situated. Calling a negro boy, who was
lounging at the door, he directed him to accompany Mrs. Wentworth to
---- street and show her the rooms. With that he made a low bow, and
she left following the boy.

"Humph!" said Mr. Elder, half aloud, as soon as she had left. "I do
not care muc