“That’s well. Now, Mrs Butt, my motive in coming here is to discover a runaway relation—”
“La! sir—a little boy?”
“No, Mrs Butt, a—”
“Surely not a little gurl, sir,” said the landlady, with a sympathetic expression.
“It is of no consequence what or who the runaway relation is, Mrs Butt; I merely mention the fact in order that you may understand the reason of any little eccentricity you may notice in my conduct, and not perplex your mind about it. For instance, I shall have no regular hours—may be out late or early—it may be even all night. You will give me a pass-key, and I will let myself in. The only thing I will probably ask for will be a cup of tea or coffee. Pray let me have one about an hour hence. I’m going out at present. Here is a week’s rent in advance.”
“Shall I put on a fire, sir?” asked Mrs Butt.
“Well, yes—you may.”
“Toast, sir?”
“Yes, yes,” said Charlie, opening the outer door.
“’Ot or cold, sir?”