"I've seen more of you than I want to already," said Grab.
"That isn't talking like a friend, Mr. Grab," said Dan, "when I'm so glad to see you. Perhaps you have come on business."
"Of course I have come on business, and you know very well what that business is, you young monkey."
"Thank you, Mr. Grab, you are very complimentary. It isn't about the rent, is it?"
"Of course it is!" snapped the landlord.
"Oh, dear, how could I have forgotten that it was rent-day," said Dan, with well-feigned confusion.
Mr. Grab's brow grew dark. He concluded that he wasn't going to collect the rent, and that always chafed him.
"It's your business to know when rent-day comes," he said, bringing down his fist with such emphasis on the table that he hurt his knuckles, to Dan's secret delight.
"Please don't break the table, Grab," said Dan.
"Oh, blast the table!" said Grab, surveying his red knuckles.