"I can't pay you to-night," said Stephen.
"That's what you're always a-sayin'. Didn't you promise me the money last Tuesday, when the two weeks was up?"
"I've been disappointed of some money that I expected," muttered Palmer. "If I had it I'd give it to you."
"That don't pay for my groceries and fuel," said Mrs. Jones, evidently much dissatisfied with his answer.
"Who said it did?"
"If you'll pay me some money on account," said the landlady, beginning to understand the character of her lodger, "I'll wait a little longer."
"I tell you I haven't got any money by me, except this," and Stephen drew out the dime which constituted his sole wealth. "I suppose you don't want that."
"I'll take it on account."
"No, you don't. I ain't going to strip myself of every penny to oblige a cormorant of a lodging-house keeper."
"Is that all you've got to say to me, Mr. Palmer?" asked Mrs. Jones, indignantly.