“I says, ‘No’m.’

“She says, ‘Why, even my dog has got one on his pedigree.’

“I says, ‘I am not a dog, so I has no pedigree. And everything I own has got wet upstairs today, madam.’

“‘I tells you roomers to pull down your windows when you leave the house. I cannot be running up and down steps looking after you-all. That is not my responsibility. You due to protect my house. Who’s gonna pay for my rug when it molds and mildews that this rain done wet up in your room? Who’s gonna buy me a new mattress for your Third Floor Rear when that one wets out? Mr. Semple, I could charge you with destroying my property. Don’t come down here telling me about your things got all wet today. If you had a wife to stay home and shut the windows, instead of running around with them gals from the corner bar—that Zarita, for instance, passing here yesterday with her head looking like a hurrah’s nest, switching worse than a dog. Trixie has got more respect for herself than that bar-butterfly with that red streak in the front of her hair.’

“‘Madam, you are talking about my friends. I will thank you to hush. As much as I have walked your dog for you, is that the thanks I get?’

“‘My dog is at least a lady. Ain’t you, Trixie?’

“‘That dog makes me sick. I cannot stand such talk. I am going upstairs and hang my bed clothes up to dry.’

“‘Bring your dirty sheets down here and I’ll give you some fresh ones—this once. Your week’s almost up anyhow.’

“‘Three flights up—three flights down—three flights back up again! Thank you. Don’t do me no favors. Do, and you’ll want me to be walking that lady hound of yours around again. Madam, I am not a dog walker. And I reckon my sheets will dry out by the time I get ready to go to bed.’

“‘Which is three, four A.M. Every night the Lord sends I hear you coming in staggle-legged.’

“‘Don’t you never sleep?’

“‘With roomers in the house, how can I? No telling what you-all might do. I’m responsible.’

“‘Well, I wish you’d be responsible for folks’ things getting all wet when a thunderstorm comes up and a man is at work. That is more important than hearing who comes in when.’

“‘I know what my responsibilities is. You don’t need to tell me. And if you just must keep on chewing the rag, complaining and arguing, you move.’

“‘I have been here seven years, madam, but you liable to find me gone soon. Then who will walk your dog for you? Don’t none of your other roomers do it. Neither your husband. Madam, you will miss me when I move. Won’t she, Trixie?’