“Why will you keep away?”

“Because I won’t go.”

“You will get a report; your mistress will be very angry.”

“I don’t care,” I said; “I won’t go. I’ll go afterwards. I won’t go this week.”

“Highty-tighty!” said Hannah. “Well, you’ll catch it!”

“Seems to me I’m always catching it,” I said.

“Seems to me you are,” said Hannah.

“Well, Hannah, what about the spare room?”

“I’ll see to it myself. I’ll have it ready.”

“Can I help you, Hannah?”