'But what am I to say?'
'The ghost of Jenner alone knows I offer it as an opportunity to show your fitness for this post. You have applied to me for work, Miss—Miss Redwing, I think your name is?' He assumed the air of one applied to.
'It is, sir.'
'Come, come; that's far too jaunty. You don't at all understand the position of the person applying for work. You must be profoundly depressed; there must be half a tear in your eye; you must look hungry.'
'O dear—I had such an excellent breakfast!'
'Which clearly disqualifies you for the post you seek. However, Miss—Miss Redwing, I think you said?'
'I did, sir.'
'Vastly better. The applicant must always be a little ashamed of his name; they learn that, you know, from the way in which they are addressed by employers. Well, I'll give you a hint. Tell him he's an ass, or he wouldn't have needed to ask my opinion.'
'I am to put that into parliamentary language?'
'Precisely.'