Respectable Lodgings

“That’s a very reasonable rent, Mr Farthingale-Wallace,” said Maud. “Especially for south-facing rooms with bath.”

"A moment, if you please," said Miss Pond. "The rooms are perfectly adequate, yes. But we have not yet inquired as to the neighbors."

"True," said Maud. "Neighbors are terribly important."

"You need have no concern about neighbors," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace. "I am not accustomed to let my flats to anyone but the better sort."

"I am sure this is true," said Miss Pond. "And so you will not hesitate to say what manner of person has taken the ground floor."

"Two very respectable ladies," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace firmly.

"Of a certain age?" said Miss Pond.

"Of uncertain age," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace. "One does not ask questions that are none of one's business."

Miss Pond sniffed.

"Sisters," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace.

"Well, that's nice, isn't it, Josephine? Sisters! Like us."

"Very like you," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace. "Quiet and polite. And speaking excellent English."

Miss Pond's eyes narrowed.

"Do you mean to say," she said, "that they are...foreign?"

"Yes," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace. "But very fine nonetheless."

"And whence come they?"

"France, I believe," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace.

Miss Pond hissed.

"French," she said, shaking her head. "Yes, I knew there must be a worm in the apple."

"But Josephine," said Maud, "you like worms. You had worms for lunch yesterday."

"Maud," said Josephine, "perhaps you might wait in the taxi while I speak further with Mr Farthingale-Wallace?"

"I will not," said Maud. "We have been around half the town seeking accommodation and we've seen nothing near so nice as this. Lovely rooms, south facing, and near to Eglantine Crescent. I say we take them."

"But Maud," said Miss Pond. "Only think, Maud. French people! Right beneath our feet! Doubtless we shall encounter them, now and again. What is one even to say?"

"Start with bonjour," said Maud.

"My own sister," said Miss Pond, "speaking French! What comes next? A barricade in the bath? A guillotine in the parlor?"

"We'll take it," said Maud. "And try never to mention Waterloo."

"Sign here," said Mr Farthingale-Wallace.