"Not at all, sir. I consider the question of service closed as long as you find yourself satisfied, sir."
"Quite satisfied, Burlet."
"I ad in mind the discussion of quite another matter, sir. Not relating to domestic issues."
"Very well, Burlet. Come into the library after breakfast."
"Very good, sir."
With a world of problems on my mind I thought it would be wryly amusing to resolve whatever difficulties troubled my butler. Promptly after I had settled myself at my desk and before I rang for my secretary, Burlet appeared in the doorway, his striped vest smoothed down over his rounded abdomen, every thin hair in place over the dome of his balding head.
"Come in, Burlet. Sit down. What's on your mind?"
"Thank you, sir." To my surprise he accepted my invitation and seated himself opposite me. "I ave been speculating, sir."
"Really, Burlet? Silly thing to do. Lost all your wages, I suppose, and would like an advance?"
"You misappre—end me, sir. Not speculating on Change. Speculating on the Grass."