"Books—that you're offended with me."
"I, miss?"
"For coming here as your lodger?"
Mr Farthing stared at her in round-eyed amazement.
"I understood from Mrs Farthing that you object to her taking lodgers," explained Mavis.
Mr Farthing's jaw dropped; he seemed dumbfounded.
"That you're complaining about Mrs Farthing overworking herself every minute you're at home," continued Mavis.
Mr Farthing backed to the door.
"And you tell her she's only killing herself by doing it."
Hopelessly bewildered, Mr Farthing clumped downstairs.