I should be much more unhappy over owing you such a debt than you could possibly be in not getting your money." The answer, so unlike those to which she had been accustomed from other delinquents, suddenly rekindled her anger.

"Will some of them friends of yours that never show up bring you the money ?" she snapped back.
"Have you met any of them on the stairs ?" he inquired blandly.
"No, nor nowhere else.

You been here now goin' on three months, and there ain't come a letter, nor nothin' by express, and no man, woman, or child has asked for you.

Kinder queer, don't you think ?" "Yes, I do think so; and I can hardly blame you.

It IS suspicious--VERY suspicious--alarmingly so," he rejoined with an indulgent smile.