'Ony raferences?' she inquired, in a
voice like a bell.
I opened my pocket-book and showed her a handful of bank bills. 'I
think, madam, that these are unexceptionable,' said I.
'Ye'll be wantin' breakfast late?' was her reply.
'Madam, we want breakfast at whatever hour it suits you to give it,
from four in the morning till four in the afternoon!' I cried.
'Only tell us your figure, if your mouth be large enough to let it
out!'
'I couldnae give ye supper the nicht,' came the echo.
'We shall go out to supper, you incorrigible female!' I vowed,
between laughter and tears. 'Here--this is going to end! I want
you for a landlady--let me tell you that!--and I am going to have
my way. You won't tell me what you charge? Very well; I will do
without! I can trust you! You don't seem to know when you have a
good lodger; but I know perfectly when I have an honest landlady!
Rowley, unstrap the valises!'
Will it be credited? The monomaniac fell to rating me for my
indiscretion! But the battle was over; these were her last guns,
and more in the nature of a salute than of renewed hostilities.
And presently she condescended on very moderate terms, and Rowley
and I were able to escape in quest of supper. Much time had,
however, been lost; the sun was long down, the lamps glimmered
along the streets, and the voice of a watchman already resounded in
the neighbouring Leith Road.
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