I've always been prompt before."
"You should have economized as you found times growing harder," said
Colman, harshly. "It is hardly honest to live in a house when you
know you can't pay the rent."
"You sha'n't lose it Mr. Colman," said the cooper, earnestly. "No
one ever yet lost anything by me. Only give me time, and I will pay
you all."
The landlord shook his head.
"You ought to cut your coat according to your cloth," he responded.
"Much as it will go against my feelings, under the circumstances I
am compelled by a prudent regard to my own interests to warn you
that, in case your rent is not ready to-morrow, I shall be obliged
to trouble you to find another tenement; and furthermore, the rent
of this will be raised five dollars a quarter."
"I can't pay it, Mr. Colman," said the cooper; "I may as well say
that now; and it's no use my agreeing to pay more rent. I pay all I
can afford now."
"Very well, you know the alternative. But it is a disagreeable
subject. We won't talk of it now; I shall be round to-morrow
morning. How's your excellent sister; as cheerful as ever?"
"Quite as much so as usual," answered the cooper, dryly.
"But there's one favor I should like to ask, if you will allow us to
remain here a few days till I can look about me a little."
"I would with the greatest pleasure in the world," was the reply,
"but there's another family very anxious to take the house, and they
wish to come in immediately.
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