The landlady, under the impression that in Mr.Dunn she beheld a prospective lodger, at first received him with that deferential reserve which is the characteristic of respectable lodging-house keepers in that city of respectable lodgers and respectable lodging-house keepers.

When, however, she learned the real nature of Mr.Dunn's errand, she became immediately transformed.

In a voice shrill with indignation she repudiated Mr.Potts and his affairs, and seemed chiefly concerned to re-establish her own reputation for respectability, which she seemed to consider as being somewhat shattered by that of her lodger.

Mr.Dunn was embarrassed both by her volubility and by her obvious determination to fasten upon him a certain amount of responsibility for the character and conduct of Mr.Potts.
"Do you know where Mr.Potts is now, and have you any idea when he may return ?" inquired Mr.Dunn, seizing a fortunate pause.
"Am I no' juist tellin' ye," cried the landlady, in her excitement reverting to her native South Country dialect, "that I keep nae coont o' Mr.Potts' stravagins?
An' as to his return, I ken naething aboot that an' care less.

He's paid what he's been owing me these three months an' that's all I care aboot him." "I am glad to hear that," said Mr.Dunn heartily.
"An' glad I am tae, for it's feared I was for my pay a month back." "When did he pay up ?" inquired Mr.Dunn, scenting a clue.
"A week come Saturday,--or was it Friday ?--the day he came in with a young man, a friend of his.