I have
been boarding in Orham for almost three months now and I feel that
I have given it a trial."
"Yes--yes, ma'am, but summer's considerable more lively than winter
here on the Cape."
"I have no desire for society. I expect to be quiet and I wish to
be. Mr. Winslow, would you consider letting me occupy this house--
unfurnished, of course? I should dearly love to take it just as it
is--this furniture is far more fitting for it than mine--but I
cannot afford forty dollars a month. Provided you were willing to
let me hire the house of you at all, not for the summer alone but
for all the year, what rent do you think you should charge?"
Jed's embarrassment increased. "Well, now, ma'am," he faltered,
"I--I hope you won't mind my sayin' it, but--but I don't know's I
want to let this house at all. I--I've had consider'ble many
chances to rent it, but--but--"
He could not seem to find a satisfactory ending to the sentence and
so left it unfinished. Mrs. Armstrong was evidently much
disappointed, but she did not give up completely.
"I see," she said. "Well, in a way I think I understand. You
prefer the privacy. I think I could promise you that Barbara and I
would disturb you very little. As to the rent, that would be paid
promptly."
"Sartin, ma'am, sartin; I know 'twould, but--"
"Won't you think it over? We might even live here for a month,
with your furniture undisturbed and at the regular rental.
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