He had fitted up bachelor apartments for himself in the house, and said that he was going to have a flat to let on the top floor.

"I didn't offer it to you because I supposed you'd be too proud to live over your shop; and it's too small, anyway; only five rooms." "Yes, that's too small," said March, shirking the other point.
"Well, then, here's the room I intend for your office," said Fulkerson, showing him into a large back parlor one flight up.

"You'll have it quiet from the street noises here, and you can be at home or not, as you please.

There'll be a boy on the stairs to find out.

Now, you see, this makes the Grosvenor Green flat practicable, if you want it." March felt the forces of fate closing about him and pushing him to a decision.