and speaking were quick and businesslike.

"Yes," she said, promptly, "I can see you are there, so you needn't tell
me again. WHY are you there and who are you?"

Galusha's head was spinning dizzily, but he tried to make matters clear.

"My name is--is--Dear me, how extraordinary! I seem to have forgotten
it. Oh, yes, it is Bangs--that is it, Bangs. I heard you calling me,
so--"

"Heard ME calling YOU?"

"Yes. I--I came down to the hotel--the rest--Rest--that hotel over
there. It was closed. I sat down upon the porch, for I have been ill
recently and I--ah--tire easily. So, as I say--"

The woman interrupted him. She had been looking keenly at his face as he
spoke.

"Come in. Come into the house," she commanded, briskly.

Mr. Bangs took a step toward her. Then he hesitated.

"I--I am very wet, I'm afraid," he said. "Really, I am not sure that--"

"Rubbish! It's because you are wet--wet as a drowned rat--that I'm
askin' you to come in. Come now--quick."

Her tone was not unkind, but it was arbitrary.