"I didn't know there was anything like it in the world!" "I know, ma'am, that it's not fit for you," grieved Matilda.
"But--it's better than nothing." "And that thing there!" pointing a shaking finger at the abnormal coffin.

"What's that ?" "That's your bed, ma'am." "My bed!" "It lets down, ma'am.

Like this." Whereupon Matilda proceeded to let down that _sine qua non_ of a profitable boarding-house, while Mrs.De Peyster, dismayed, looked for the first time in her life upon the miracle of the unfolding of a folding-bed.

Her mistress's slumber prepared for Matilda then softened the inaccuracies of the couch's surface for her own more humble repose.
Neither felt like talking; there was too much to talk about.

So soon both were in their beds, the lights out.