"Ah! And the maids?"
"Mrs. Smythe give 'em leave of habsence, sir. Y' see, sir," said Joe apologetically, "you're 'ere so seldom, sir."
"My servants are not exactly—er—worked to death, Joe?"
"No, sir."
"Manage to look after themselves quite well?"
"Yes, sir."
"It seems I need some one to look after them—and me."
"Yes, sir."
"A woman, Joe—one I can trust and honour and—what d' ye think?"
"I think—er—yes, sir."