of the crisis "--Mr Pamphlett could not accurately remember when he
had first come upon that headline in his newspaper--"'Business as
usual,' but with--er--modifications, of course. As I remember, I
told you yesterday that, if you behave yourself, I may relent so far
as to give you a short grace."

"Thank 'ee," said Nicky-Nan. "I'm behavin' myself--that's to say, so
far as I know."

"But I want to make one or two points very clear to you. In the
first place, what I'm about to say is strictly without prejudice?"
Mr Pamphlett paused, upon a note of interrogation.

"I don't rightly know what that means. But no matter: since you're
sayin' it and I'm not."

"Secondly, if I give you yet a few weeks' grace, it is on condition
that you bring me your rent regularly from this time forward."

"Go on."

"Thirdly, you are to understand plainly that, as I have the power and
the right, so I shall use my own convenience, in ordering you to
quit. Happen this War will last a long time."

"Then 'tis an ill wind that blows good to nobody."

"Happen it may be a short one. Or again, even if it lasts, I may
change my mind and decide to start work on the premises at once.
There may be a depression in the building trade, for example, and
even putting in hand a small job like that would help to restore
public confidence."

"You may give any dam reason you please to yourself," said Nicky-Nan
uncompromisingly, "so long as you don't start palmin' it 'pon me.
I paid Hendy the costs o' the order this morning--which is not to say
that I promise 'ee to act on it. Whatever your reason may be, the
point is you don't propose turnin' me out till further notice--hey?"

"Provided your rent is duly paid up to date."

"Right." Nicky-Nan slid a hand into his trouser-pocket, where his
fingers met the reassuring touch of half-a-dozen sovereigns he
carried there for earnest of his good fortune.

"And on the understanding that I claim possession whenever it suits
me. When I say 'the understanding,' of course, there's no bargain
implied. I am in a position to do as I like at any time. I want to
make that clear."

"Very thoughtful of you."

"Well, I'm glad you're grateful."

"Who said so?"

"At least," answered Mr Pamphlett with rising choler, "you must own
that I have shown you great consideration--great consideration _and_
forbearance." He checked his wrath, being a man who had severely
trained himself to keep his temper in any dis