and a writing
desk. Just over the sofa hung an engraving of Washington crossing the
Delaware.

Andy sat down on the sofa and placed his gripsack in front of him. There
was nothing to occupy his mind, so he sat patiently, wondering what sort
of a looking woman the landlady might be.

Soon there was a rustle of garments, and a stout, pleasant-looking lady,
of perhaps fifty, wearing a small cap set off with red ribbons, entered
the room.

"Mrs. Norris?" said Andy, inquiringly, rising out of respect.

"Yes, I am Mrs. Norris. Eva told me you had a letter from Mr.--I didn't
catch the name."

"Mr. Walter Gale."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Gale. I know him very well."

"Did he ever board here?"

"No; he boarded at one of the hotels. Mr. Gale is a rich man."

She took the letter and read it.

"Mr. Gale asks if I can take you to board, and offers to pay your board.
He must be a great friend of yours?"

"He is. I hope the arrangement will be satisfactory."

"Quite so. I couldn't wish any better paymaster than Mr. Gale. Are you
going to work in the city?"

"Yes. I have a place in Mr. Flint's jewelry store on Union Square."

"Really? That is quite a high-toned place. I got my best spoons there."

"Have you got a room for me?" asked Andy, a little anxiously.

"Yes, I've got a small hall bedroom. I suppose you didn't expect a
square room?"

"It would be too expensive."

"It wouldn't be if you had a roommate. There's a gentleman on the third
floor front, a Mr. Warren. He is sickly, and writes for some of the
papers. He told me he would like a roommate; but perhaps you would
prefer a small room alone?"

"I should."

"Then I've a small room on the same floor. It was occupied till last
week by a music teacher, but he was three weeks behind in his rent and I
had to let him go. It's a trying business, keeping a boarding house,
Mr.--"

"Grant," suggested Andy.

"Yes. That's a good name. I suppose you're in nowise related to the
general?"

"No; I wish I was."

"If you will follow me upstairs I'll show you the room. You can bring
your valise."

Andy took it in his hand and followed the landlady up two flights of
stairs. She panted a little, being a stout lady, but Andy would have run
upstairs if he had been alone.

On the upper floor there were three rooms, the doors of all being open.

"That is Mr. Warren's room," said Mrs. Norris, pointing to the front
apartment.

It was a room of about fourteen feet square, and wa