"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