"No, I couldn't," said Ben. "I couldn't lend myself to such a ménage."
"But it would be all right," said Tubby. "The cook would act as chaperon when I was talking with the lady; and the lady would be on the watch when I was visiting the kitchen. I want a lady-cook. I feel I should be a better man if I had the constant society of a lady-cook—or a cook-lady, I don't mind which."
"No," said Ben firmly.
"Then will you get me a valet-governess?" Tubby asked. "I have a passion for hyphenated assistance."
"You haven't got any children," said Ben.
"No, but I have clothes," said Tubby. "And I'll hire a child. Anything to persuade a valet-governess to stay."
"Tubby, you're wasting my time," said Ben. "Go back to the Treasury or wherever it is you sleep."
"Listen to her!—" Tubby invoked the ceiling. "She advertises herself as 'The Beck and Call' and she turns away business! She is rude to clients! I came here with money in my purse to try and do you a good turn, and you spurn me. Now, my dear Ben, be serious. Will you get me a chauffeur-billiard-marker?"
"No!" said Ben, lifting up a paper-weight, as Tubby made for the door.