There was once a charcoal-burner who lived and worked by himself. A fuller, however, happened to come and settle in the same neighbourhood. The charcoal-burner, having made his acquaintance and finding him an agreeable sort of fellow, asked if he would come and share his house.
"We shall get to know one another better that way," he said, "and, besides, our household expenses will be diminished."
The fuller thanked him, but replied, "I couldn't think of it, sir. Why, everything I take such pains to whiten would be blackened in no time by your charcoal."