“‘Why?’ then thinking of the lease I said, ‘does not the contract hold good?’
“‘No, you see you have forfeited your rights in the lease by a failure to pay according to the terms stipulated in it.’
“‘But why do you ask double?’
“‘I have reasons which I would rather not make known to you.’
“‘I suppose it is because my husband is away, and you think you are in a position to take advantage of me,’ I said warmly.
“‘No, it is not that, but if you insist on knowing, I will tell you.’
“‘Proceed.’
“‘I am sorry, but it is because this is an irreproachable neighborhood, and some of the residents of this locality object to your living here any longer, and as I have many clients in this immediate vicinity, it behooves me to heed their demands.’
“I was almost too wild to speak but finally found my mind and tongue in a co-operative state long enough to ask him the reason why I was ostracised by the neighbors.