I have got a fine appetite, but somehow or other, my meals don't show on me.

You will excuse my receiving you in the kitchen, sir; it's the best room we have.

Did Cristy tell you how badly we are off here for repairs?
You being our landlord, we look to you to help us.

We are falling to pieces, as it were, on this old side of the house.

There's first drains----" He proceeded to reckon up the repairs, counting with his fleshless thumb on his skinny fingers, when he was interrupted by a curious succession of sounds which began with whining, and ended with scratching at the cottage door.
In a minute after, the door was opened from without.