"I don't know, sir," she answered. "I received no orders about them."
"Where is Colonel Colquhoun?"
"He went out after breakfast, sir, and has not come back yet."
"Has the nurse arrived?"
"No, sir."
"Well, light these fires at once."
"I don't light fires, sir," she said, drawing herself up. "It isn't my work."
"Whose work is it?" I demanded.
"Either of the housemaids', sir, but they're both out," she answered, ogling me pertly.
I own that I was exasperated, and I showed it in such a way that she fled precipitately. I followed her downstairs to find the butler. I happened to know the man. His wife had been in my service, and I had attended her through a severe illness since her marriage.