Enid had thrown a blight over the proceedings. She made them all shy and uneasy. Even Mrs. Thompson herself could not speak of the shop without hesitating and stammering.
"So, really," she went on, "that is all I need say, gentlemen. But, as always, I shall be—shall be glad—extremely glad if you will give me your candid views on any subjects—on all subjects.... Have you any suggestions to make, Mr. Mears?"
Mr. Mears coughed, and hummed and hawed before replying.
"We must adhere to our maxims—and not get slack, no matter how good business may be."
"That's it," said Mr. Ridgway. "Keep up the high standard of Thompson's, whatever else we do."
"Any suggestions from you, Mr. Greig?"
"No more," said Mr. Greig, "than the remarks which my confreers have passed. I say the same myself."
She asked them each in turn, hurrying through her questions, scarcely waiting to hear the unusually imbecile answers.
"Mr. Marsden—have you any suggestions to make?"