"Had n't you better go and find your Mr. Wilbraham?" she interrupted.
"So I had," said Denry; "I was forgetting him."
She heard him wandering over the house and calling in divers tones upon Mr. Wilbraham. But she heard no other voice. Meanwhile she examined the kitchen in detail, appreciating some of its devices and failing to comprehend others.
"I expect he 's missed the train," said Denry, coming back. "Anyhow, he is n't here. I may as well show you the rest of the house now."
He led her into the hall, which was radiantly lighted.
"It's quite warm here," said Mrs. Machin.
"The whole house is heated by steam," said Denry. "No fireplaces."
"No fireplaces!"
"No! No fireplaces. No grates to polish, ashes to carry down, coals to carry up, mantelpieces to dust, fire-irons to clean, fenders to polish, chimneys to sweep."
"And suppose he wants a bit of fire all of a sudden in summer."