"Creature comforts are nothing to him. If he lived by himself I really don't know when he would think of food. If ever I went away for a week or two I found him looking shockingly ill on my return and generally discovered that he had not been punctual at his meals, and would have been quite happy to have gone without them altogether. You will have to look after him Rachel. By-the-bye, what did he have for his meal before going out?"
"You kindly sent round some eggs."
"Ah yes. Of course there was no time to cook anything else. But you will have to be careful about the eggs. They are 4d each at present. And," she added warily, "if I were you, my dear, I should not burn more than one light in this small room. Three are quite unnecessary. Electric light is extremely expensive unless you are careful. Of course you know that you ought to put it out every time you leave the room, even though it may be only for a minute or two."
"No," said Rachel, "I don't know anything about electric light. We used lamps at home. Is it really necessary to be so careful? I don't want to be always thinking of money." She gave a little laugh, but happily Mrs. Greville did not recognise the scorn in the tone of voice or in the laugh.
"Yes indeed, it is necessary, that is to say if you don't want to pay a big bill. My son is not a rich man."
To Rachel who had never had to think of these matters, the restrictions that were being laid down seemed absurd. She scarcely knew whether she felt more inclined to be angry or to laugh. She turned the conversation by asking if Polly could cook.
"No," said Mrs. Greville. "You will have to teach her. She is a very quick little girl and will easily learn."
"I am afraid she will learn nothing from me," said Rachel, "Could we not have had some older servant under the circumstances? I think I shall have to go to a registry office to-morrow. Which is the best one?"
"Servants are very difficult to get and I don't suppose that you and Luke could afford a really good one. No, your wisest plan is to keep on little Polly, and I will come round and teach you both. I will bring a cookery book with me and mark the most economical dishes for you."
"Thank you," said Rachel, faintly. The prospect was not exhilarating, but she knew the proposal was made in kindness, and after all both she and Luke must have food, specially Luke apparently! Her spirits were sinking to zero.