"Because I also live at the tip-top."
"Do you—oh!"
"With the excellent Mrs. Trapes."
"But I thought she had lost her lodger?"
"She had the—er—extreme good fortune to find a new one to-day."
"Meaning you?"
"Meaning me."
By this time they had reached the topmost landing, where Mr. Ravenslee set down the suit case almost reluctantly.
"Thank you!" said Hermione, looking at him with her frank gaze.
"Heaven send I may earn your thanks again—and very soon," he answered, lifting the battered hat.