Miss Scrimp determined to brazen the matter right out.
“If he did he didn’t leave it with me. And if that’s all you’ve made me climb them dreadful stairs for I don’t thank you. So now!”
“Be a little cautious and a trifle more respectful, Miss Scrimp!” said Hattie sternly.
“Respectful? Suppose I ought to be to the cheapest boarder I’ve got in the house. I’m not going to stay here to be insulted by a bindery girl.”
And the angry spinster arose, and with her lamp in her hand started for the door.
“Stop! Come back and sit down, or I will go for a police officer and have you arrested for an offense which will land you in the State prison!” cried Hattie.
“Police officer—arrest me?” gasped Miss Scrimp.
But she came back, put her lamp on the table, and sat down.
“Now tell me what you want. Don’t try to scare a poor, nervous old creetur like me—please don’t, Miss Hattie.”
“I want the letter I know was brought to this house by the regular letter carrier to-day!”