"What can I do for you, young man ?" she asked in a repellent tone.
"What a disagreeable-looking woman!" thought Ben.

"I am sure we shall never be friends." "Is Mrs.Hamilton expected in soon ?" he asked.
"I really cannot say.

She does not report to me how long she expects to be gone." "Didn't she speak to you about expecting me ?" asked Ben, feeling decidedly uncomfortable.
"Not a word!" was the reply.
"She wrote to me to come here, but perhaps she did not expect me so soon." "If you have come here to collect a bill, or with any business errand, I can attend to you.

I am Mrs.Hamilton's cousin." "Thank you; it will be necessary for me to see Mrs.Hamilton." "Then you may as well call in the afternoon, or some other day." "That's pretty cool!" thought Ben.

"That woman wants to get me out of the house, but I propose to 'hold the fort' till Mrs.Hamilton arrives." "I thought you might know that I am going to stay here," said Ben.
"What!" exclaimed Mrs.Hill, in genuine surprise.
"Mrs.Hamilton has offered me a position, though I do not know what the duties are to be, and am going to make my home here." "Really this is too much!" said the pale-faced lady sternly.