"You know I must have security for my rent." "The deuce! Is a palace not sufficient security for the rent of a garret ?" "No sir, I want real chairs and tables in solid mahogany." "Alas! Neither gold nor mahogany makes us happy, as for the ancient poet well says.

And I can't bear mahogany; it's too common a wood.

Everybody has it." "But surely sir, you must have some sort of furniture." "No, it takes up too much room.

You are stuck full of chairs, and have no place to sit down." "But at any rate, you have a bed.

What do you sleep on ?" "On a good conscience, sir." "Excuse me, one more question," said the landlord, "What is your profession ?" At this very moment the young man's porter, returning on his second trip, entered the court.