"
This tickled Rosa so that she burst out laughing, and thenceforward
giggled at intervals, wit of this refined nature having all the charm of
novelty for her.
They inspected the stables, which were indeed the one redeeming feature
in the horrid little Bijou; and then the agent would show them the
kitchen, and the new stove. He expatiated on this to Mrs. Staines. "Cook
a dinner for thirty people, madam."
"And there's room for them to eat it--in the road," said Staines.
The agent reminded him there were larger places to be had, by a very
simple process, viz., paying for them.
Staines thought of the large, comfortable house in Harewood Square. "One
hundred and thirty pounds a year for this poky little hole?" he groaned.
"Why, it is nothing at all for a Bijou."
"But it is too much for a bandbox."
Rosa laid her hand on his arm, with an imploring glance.
"Well," said he, "I'll submit to the rent, but I really cannot give the
premium, it is too ridiculous. He ought to bribe me to rent it, not I
him."
"Can't be done without, sir."
"Well, I'll give a hundred pounds and no more."
"Impossible, sir."
"Then good morning. Now, dearest, just come and see the house at
Harewood Square,--eighty-five pounds and no premium.
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