Mrs. Darlington demurred.  The man said—­

“Very well, ma’am,” in a tone of indifference.  “I can find plenty of accommodations quite as good as yours for the price I offer.  It’s all I pay now.”

Poor Mrs. Darlington sighed.  She had but fifteen dollars yet in the house—­that is, boarders who paid this amount weekly—­and the rent alone amounted to twelve dollars.  Sixteen dollars, she argued with herself, as she sat with her eyes upon the floor, would make a great difference in her income; would, in fact, meet all the expenses of the house.  Two good rooms would still remain, and all that she received for these would be so much clear profit.  Such was the hurried conclusion of Mrs. Darlington’s mind.

“I suppose I will have to take you,” said she, lifting her eyes to the man’s hard features.  “But those rooms ought to bring me twenty-four dollars.”

“Sixteen is the utmost I will pay,” replied the man.  “In fact, I did think of offering only fourteen dollars.  But the rooms are fine, and I like them.  Sixteen is a liberal price.  Your terms are considerably above the ordinary range.”

The widow sighed again.

If the man heard this sound, it did not touch a single chord of feeling.

“Then it is understood that I am to have your rooms at sixteen dollars?” said he.

“Yes, sir.  I will take you for that.”

“Very well.  My name is Scragg.  We will be ready to come in on Monday next.  You can have all prepared for us?”

“Yes, sir.”

Scarcely had Mr. Scragg departed, when a gentleman called to know if Mrs. Darlington had a vacant front room in the second story.

“I had this morning; but it is taken,” replied the widow.

“Ah!  I’m sorry for that.”

“Will not a third story front room suit you?”

“No.  My wife is not in very good health, and wishes a second story room.  We pay twelve dollars a week, and would even give more, if necessary, to obtain just the accommodations we like.  The situation of your house pleases me.  I’m sorry that I happen to be too late.”

“Will you look at the room?” said Mrs. Darlington, into whose mind came the desire to break the bad bargain she had just made.

“If you please,” returned the man.

And both went up to the large and beautifully furnished chambers.

“Just the thing!” said the man, as he looked around, much pleased with the appearance of everything.  “But I understood you to say that it was taken.”

“Why, yes,” replied Mrs. Darlington, “I did partly engage it this morning; but, no doubt, I can arrange with the family to take the two rooms above, which will suit them just as well.”

“If you can”—­

“There’ll be no difficulty, I presume.  You’ll pay twelve dollars a week?”

“Yes.”

“Only yourself and lady?”

“That’s all.”

“Very well, sir; you can have the room.”