Chester smiled.
“I have been discharged from my position in the real estate office,” he said.
“Then,” said the landlady, in some dismay, “isn’t it imprudent to take a more expensive room?”
“I have secured a much better place.”
“Oh! that alters the case. Is it likely to be permanent?”
“If I lose it I will go back to my old room.”
“I am sure I am glad to hear of your good luck, Mr. Rand. It is very seldom that a young man of your age——”
“Call me a boy. I am not a young man yet.”
“You seem to be getting on as well as a young man. I think you are real smart.”
“You mustn’t flatter me, Mrs. Crosby. You will make me vain. I forgot to say that I shall be a considerable part of the time in my room. That is why I want a larger one.”