Did you pay my father anything in advance ?" The professor fidgeted.
"A small payment in advance is not very unusual," he offered.
"Especially if one's prospective host is anxious to add a few little unaccustomed luxuries--" "Yes, yes," she interrupted rudely.

"I recognize the phrase!" Without looking up he felt her wrathful gaze upon his face.

"It means that father has simply done you brown.

Oh, well, it's your own fault.

You're old enough to know your way about.