Page:Frank Stockton - Rudder Grange.djvu/231

Rh "That's a good reason for not looking at it, then," I answered. "If you came here to get us to subscribe for that book, we need not take up any more of your time, for we shall not subscribe."

"Oh, I did not come for that alone," he said. "I shall stay here to-night, and start out in the morning to work up the neighbourhood. If you would like this book—and I'm sure you've only to look at it to do that—you can deduct the amount of my bill from the subscription price, and—"

"What did you say you charged for this book?" asked Euphemia, stepping forward and picking up the volume.

"Three-seventy-five is the subscription price, ma'am, but that book is not for sale. That is merely a sample. If you put your name down on my list, you will be served with your book in two weeks. As I told your husband, it will come very cheap to you, because you can deduct what you charge me for supper, lodging, and breakfast." "Indeed!" said my wife, and then she remarked that she must go in the house and get supper.

"When will supper be ready?" the man asked as she passed him.

At first she did not answer him, but then she called back:

"In about half an hour."

"Good!" said the man; "but I wish it was ready now. And now, sir, if you would just glance over this book while we are waiting for supper—"

I cut him very short and went out into the road. I walked up and down in front of the house in a bad humour, I could not bear to think of my wife getting supper for this fellow, who was striding about on the piazza as if he was very hungry and very