"Hullo, Aunt Jane! I've brought you somebody. He's Mr. Smith. An'
you'll be glad. You see if yer ain't!"

In the dim hallway Mr. Smith saw a tall, angular woman with graying
dark hair and high cheek bones. Her eyes were keen and just now
somewhat sternly inquiring, as they were bent upon himself.

Perceiving that Benny considered his mission as master of ceremonies
at an end, Mr. Smith hastened to explain.

"I came from your husband's brother, madam. He--er--sent me. He
thought perhaps you had a room that I could have."

"A room?" Her eyes grew still more coldly disapproving.

"Yes, and board. He thought--that is, THEY thought that perhaps--you
would be so kind."

"Oh, a boarder! You mean for pay, of course?"

"Most certainly!"

"Oh!" She softened visibly, and stepped back. "Well, I don't know. I
never have--but that isn't saying I couldn't, of course. Come in. We
can talk it over. THAT doesn't cost anything. Come in; this way,
please." As she finished speaking she stepped to the low-burning gas
jet and turned it carefully to give a little more light down the
narrow hallway.

"Thank you," murmured Mr. Smith, stepping across the threshold.