"You come here as a stranger, and I look after you as a stranger," continued his wife.
"Certainly," said the other. "I shall be made more comfortable that way, I'm sure. But, of course, if you're afraid, as I said before, of giving way to tender——"
"Tender fiddlesticks!" interrupted his wife, flushing and eying him angrily.
"I'll come in and bring my things at nine o'clock to-night," said Mr. Hatchard. "I'd like the windows open and the rooms aired a bit. And what about the sheets?"
"What about them?" inquired his wife.
"Don't put me in damp sheets, that's all," said Mr. Hatchard. "One place I was at——"
He broke off suddenly.
"Well!" said his wife, quickly.
"Was very particular about them," said Mr. Hatchard, recovering. "Well, good-afternoon to you, ma'am."
"I want three weeks in advance," said his wife. "Three—" exclaimed the other. "Three weeks in advance? Why——"