“What name?” asked the Major.
“She didn’t give none, sir. I asked, but she said never mind the name.”
“Go and ask it again.”
The man went and came back. “It is Mrs. Parrifer, sir.”
“Mrs. who?”
“Mrs. Parrifer, sir.”
The Major turned and stared at his servant. They had no relatives whatever. Consequently the only Mrs. Parrifer within knowledge was his wife.
Staring at the man would not bring him any elucidation. Major Parrifer went to the library, and there saw the lady standing on one side of the fender, holding her foot to the fire. She had her back to him, did not turn, and so the Major went round to the other side of the hearth-rug where he could see her.
“My servant told me a Mrs. Parrifer wanted me. Did he make a mistake in the name?”