George Mulross, worried as he always was when she began drilling him, on hearing the word “office” said simply:
“Well I won’t, that’s flat. I don’t believe in it. I’ve seen lots of men do that kind of thing. They get to the City and they think they’re learning business, and they’re rooked before....”
“I said ‘TAKE office’!” shouted Mary Smith, “TAKE office—get a post.... Dolly will give you a post. Now do you understand?”
“What?” said Demaine vaguely.
“Dimmy,” she said more quietly but with great firmness, “look at me.”
He looked at her. It was a muscular strain upon his eyes to keep them fixed under her superior will.
“That’s right.... Now listen carefully. The salary of the Wardenship of the Court of Dowry is five thousand a year—and ex’s.”
“Yes,” said Demaine.
“When the Wardenship of the Court of Dowry is vacant—if you play up worth tuppence, it’s yours for the asking. Do ... you ... understand?”
“I don’t know,” repeated George Demaine.