Gordon said nothing. The woman fidgeted. "Well," said she, "if there's any doubt of it, mebbe he is better off here." Suddenly she gave a suspicious glance at Gordon. "Say," said she, "the room here will have to be done over. Who's goin' to pay for that?"
"The room is isolated," replied Gordon briefly.
The woman stared. She evidently did not know the meaning of the word.
"Well," said she at last, "if the room is insulted, it will have to be done over. Who's going to pay for that?"
"I am."
"Well, I don't see why you couldn't pay me for that as well as Mr. Evans."
"Don't you?"
"No."
"Well, I do. Now, Mrs. Slocum, I really have no more time to waste. Mr. Meserve is [pg 202] a very sick man, and I have to go to him. I came down here to consult with my assistant, and you have hindered us. Good-day!"
But the woman still stood her ground. "I'm goin' to see him," she said. "He's my boarder."