anything absurd about it?"

The woman was puzzled in turn. She looked into the man's face in a
fearless way enough, but did not know what to say. Then again came
that odd way of looking over him. Finally she broke out:

"You haven't any more money, and yet you put on airs. I like it."

"I am much obliged," said he.

"That isn't fair. You know what I mean. And you know already--you're
not a fool--what this place is. It is mine. The little restaurant in
front is but a part. Women come here--and men. Two women live here.
Did you think that?"

Harlson said he had inferred, since he came in, that the restaurant was
not a restaurant alone.

"It's a funny world," he said.

She was bothered. "I don't know what you mean about the world, and I
don't care. But I would like to know what your business is, and how
you are doing?"

"I am not doing well, and get hungry sometimes. Had it not been for
that I should not have come here to-night. But what is it to you?"

"Can't you see? Why am I talking to you?"

"I don't know."