“Ferrets?” the voice from across the passage repeated with a remote irritation. “Is what true about ferrets?”
“That the females die if they’re not mated.”
“How on earth should I know?”
“But you generally know everything.”
“But, my darling, really....” The voice was plaintive, full of reproach.
Mrs. Glamber clapped her hand over her mouth and only took it off again to blow a kiss. “All right,” she said very quickly. “All right. Really. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. Really.” She blew another kiss towards the door.
“But ferrets....” repeated the voice.
“Sh—sh, sh—sh.”
“Why ferrets?”
“Darling,” said Mrs. Glamber almost sternly, “you really must go on with your work.”