Mrs. Carlin repeated her story of Jimmy’s illness and her consequent inability to pay the whole rent.
“When do you think Jimmy will get well?” asked the agent, kindly.
“He’s gettin’ better fast, sir. I think he’ll be able to go to work by Wednesday. If you’ll only wait a little while, sir——”
“How long have you been paying rent here?” asked Mr. Fairchild.
“This is the third year, sir.”
“And have you ever been in arrears before?”
“No, sir.”
“Then you deserve consideration. Mr. Mullins, give Mrs. Carlin a receipt on account, and she will pay the balance as soon as she can.”
“Thank you, sir. May the saints reward you, sir! Shure, I told this gentleman that you’d make it all right with me. He was very hard with me.”
“Mr. Mullins,” said the agent, sternly, “I have before now told you that our customers are to be treated with consideration and kindness.”