And you won't give him a latch-key ?" "Well, they always do ask for it." "But he won't insist, if you tell him that I had rather that he shouldn't have one." Mrs Roper promised accordingly, and Johnny Eames was left under her charge.

He did ask for the latch-key, and Mrs Roper answered as she was bidden.

But he asked again, having been sophisticated by the philosophy of Cradell, and then Mrs Roper handed him the key.

She was a woman who plumed herself on being as good as her word, not understanding that any one could justly demand from her more than that.

She gave Johnny Eames the key, as doubtless she had intended to do; for Mrs Roper knew the world, and understood that young men without latch-keys would not remain with her.
"I thought you didn't seem to find it so dull since Amelia came home," said Cradell.
"Amelia! What's Amelia to me?
I have told you everything, Cradell, and yet you can talk to me about Amelia Roper!" "Come now, Johnny--." He had always been called Johnny, and the name had gone with him to his office.