Poor Kate fell back on the pillow , quite overcome . `` I -- I beg your pardon , '' she said . `` I -- I thought the Brewsters lived here . Mrs. Brewster is a friend of mine . My cousin and I are on our way to Bothwell and we called here to spend the night with Hannah . When we found everyone away we just came in and made ourselves at home . '' `` A likely story , '' said the red woman . `` We were n't born yesterday , '' said the man . Madam Black-and-White did n't say anything , but when the other two had made their pretty speeches she doubled up in a silent convulsion of mirth , shaking her head from side to side and beating the air with her hands . If they had been nice to us , Kate would probably have gone on feeling confused and ashamed . But when they were so disagreeable she quickly regained her self-possession . She sat up again and said in her haughtiest voice , `` I do not know when you were born , or where , but it must have been somewhere where very peculiar manners were taught . If you will have the decency to leave our room -- this room -- until we can get up and dress we will not transgress upon your hospitality '' -LRB- Kate put a most satirical emphasis on that word -RRB- `` any longer . And we shall pay you amply for the food we have eaten and the night 's lodging we have taken . '' The black-and-white apparition went through the motion of clapping her hands , but not a sound did she make . Whether he was cowed by Kate 's tone , or appeased by the prospect of payment , I know not , but Mr. Chapman spoke more civilly . `` Well , that 's fair . If you pay up it 's all right . '' `` They shall do no such thing as pay you , '' said Madam Black-and-White in a surprisingly clear , resolute , authoritative voice . `` If you have n't any shame for yourself , Robert Chapman , you 've got a mother-in-law who can be ashamed for you .
No strangers shall be charged XXXXX food or lodging in any house where Mrs. Matilda Pitman lives .
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