And she had no excuse to deny him admittance.

Quietly she unbolted the door and allowed it to open an inch while she peered at the man outside.
"Oh! it is Monsieur Mershone." "Of course it is," he roared, forcing the door open and stalking in.
"Who in thunder did you think it was ?" "A thousand pardons, m'sieur," said Cerise.

"I must be cautious; it is your own command.

That you may be protected I deny admittance to all." "That's all right," said Mershone gruffly, while he stamped his feet upon the rug and shook the snow from his clothing.

"Haven't you any fire in this beastly old refrigerator?
I'm nearly frozen.