“Only three nights a week,” said Hopper, winking to himself. “Fine princely fellow, Dick. Ah! here we are. Very glad—I’m hungry. He wanted me to stay, but I would not.”
Max opened the front door with his latchkey, and drew back for Hopper to enter which that worthy did, and began to wipe his feat upon the mat, which said in scarlet letters, “Friend, do not swear,” etc.
“Damn that mat!” exclaimed Hopper loudly, as he caught one toe in the long pile, and nearly fell headlong, while Max gazed at him in horror.
“Couldn’t help it,” said Hopper apologetically. “Didn’t swear, did I?”
“Indeed, sir, you did.”
“Hey? What say?”
“You did, sir,” shouted Max.
“Did what?”
“Swore—at the mat.”
“Hey?” said Hopper, who had grown wonderfully deaf since he had been in the hall.