'Very well. But do go on.'
'How right of you to keep me to the point, darling. That's where you're such a comfort always. Do you mind passing me my glasses? Thanks.'
She put them on and immediately took them off. She only needed them for reading.
'Oh yes. I wanted to consult you about something, Edith.'
The footman came in.
'Oh, Standing, send Marie to me at once…. Bother the man, how he keeps worrying! Well, Edith dear, as I've got all this tremendous lot of work to do, I've made up my mind, for the sake of my health, I simply must have a sort of secretary or companion. You see?'
'I quite see. You spoke of it before.'
'Well, how do you think that woman you introduced to me, Madame Frabelle—how do you think she would—? Oh, Marie, today's my day at home; isn't it, Edith?'
'Today is Thursday,' said Edith.
'Thursday! Oh, my dear. Thursday's not my day at home. Well, anyhow, never mind about that. What was I saying, Marie?'