"Ah, ha!" I said to myself complacently, "there are more Bohemians than
one, then, in this house."

The female head again appeared.

"Not another? Oh, sir, say there ain't another wanted," said the head
in a passionate Cockney accent.

"That is precisely what there is," I replied. "I want----"

"What for?"

"For something moderate."

"Well, that's a comfort in a wiy. Which of 'em is it you want? The
first-floor back?"

"I have no doubt the first-floor back would do quite well."

My words had a curious effect. She scrutinised me suspiciously.

"Ho!" she said, with a sniff; "you don't seem to care much which it is
you get."

"I don't," I said, "not particularly."

"Look 'ere," she exclaimed, "you jest 'op it. See? I don't want none of
your 'arf-larks here, and, what's more, I won't 'ave 'em. I don't
believe you're a copper at all."