He looked up sharply, much surprised and irritated. "That is absolutely foolish and absurd. I have nothing in the world to do with what Professor Nicolovius needs. You must always remember that I am not a subscriber to the tenets of your religion."
"It is not too late. I always remember that too."
"But I must say frankly that I am much surprised at the way you interpret those tenets. For if—"
"Oh, you should never have tested me on such a question! Don't you see that I'm the judge sitting in his or her own case? Two boarders gone at one swoop! How shall I break the news to Aunt Jennie?"
He thought this over in silence and then said impatiently; "I'm sorry, but I do not feel that I can consider that phase of the matter."
"Certainly not."
"The arrangement between us is a strictly business one, based on mutual advantage, and to be terminated at will as the interests of either party dictates."
"Exactly."
He turned a sharp glance on her, and rose. Having risen he stood a moment, irresolute, frowning, troubled by a thought. Then he said, in an annoyed, nervous voice:—
"Look here, will it be a serious thing for your aunt to lose me?"