"Is the lady of the house at home?" asked Walter.
"Do you want to see her?"
"Yes."
"Then wait here, and I'll tell her."
A tall woman, with a thin face and a pinched expression, presented herself after five minutes.
"Well, young man," she asked, after a sharp glance, "what is your business?"
Her expression was not very encouraging, but Walter was bound not to lose an opportunity.
"I should like to show you a new book, madam," he commenced, "a book of great value, beautifully illustrated, which is selling like wildfire."
"How many copies have you sold?" inquired the lady, sharply.