"And the parrot?" I hazarded.
"No. Oh, the linen and everything. I'd got the car with me. We've been here nearly two months now, and I love it more every day. Don't miss men a bit, either."
This last in an inimitable tone, half nonchalant, half defiant.
"I expect they do most of the missing."
"Thanks, awfully. However, I may tell you the family's been rather narky—"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Narky. Like a nark."
"Of course. How stupid of me! Same root as 'snirksome.' As you were."
"Well, rather ratty about it all. Said it was all ridiculous and unheard of."
"Did they use the word 'proceeding'?"