Page:The Invisible Man - A Grotesque Romance.djvu/72

 "Why was n't my breakfast laid? Why have n't you. prepared my meals and answered my bell? Do you think I live without eating?"

"Why is n't my bill paid?" said Mrs. Hall. "That 's what I want to know."

"I told you three days ago I was awaiting a remittance—"

"I told you two days ago I was n't going to await no remittances. You can't grumble if your breakfast waits a bit, if my bill 's been waiting these five days, can you?"

The stranger swore briefly but vividly.

"Nar, nar!" from the bar.

"And I 'd thank you kindly, sir, if you 'd keep your swearing to yourself, sir," said Mrs. Hall.

The stranger stood looking more like an angry diving-helmet than ever. It was universally felt in the bar that Mrs. Hall had the better of him. His next words showed as much.

"Look here, my good woman—" he began.

"Don't good woman me," said Mrs. Hall.

"I 've told you my remittance has n't come—"

"Remittance indeed!" said Mrs. Hall.