Meanwhile he scrutinized closely, without appearing to do so, the furniture in the room.
At this point Mr. Crump opened the outer door.
“Good-morning,” said Colman, affably. “A fine morning.”
“Quite so,” answered his tenant, shortly.
“I have called, Mr. Crump, to know if you are ready with your quarter's rent.”
“I think I told you, last night, how I was situated. Of course I am sorry——”
“So am I,” said the landlord, “for I may be obliged to have recourse to unpleasant measures.”
“You mean that we must leave the house!”
“Of course, you cannot expect to remain in it if you are unable to pay the rent. Of course,” added Colman, making an inventory with his eyes, of the furniture, “you will leave behind a sufficient amount of furniture to cover your bill——”
“Surely, you would not deprive us of our furniture!”