“Very windy weather, madam.”
Mrs. Betty glanced up brightly at the suave, thin-whiskered face, and smiled. She had a great variety of smiles, and Mr. Mainprice was an intelligent person, and a man who was not ashamed of wearing a white apron. Moreover, he was an excellent patient, the father of five tall and unhealthy daughters, and the sympathetic husband of a neurasthenic wife.
“Terribly windy,” she agreed. “This is a dear old house, but I suppose it is rather draughty.”
“No, madam, no, we find it very comfortable. I have had double windows fitted to the upper rooms.”
“They make such a difference.”
“Such a difference, madam.”
There was a short pause. Mr. Mainprice was a nervous man. He had a habit of sniffing, and of opening and shutting his order-book as though it was imperative for him to keep his hands occupied.
“Dr. Steel is very busy, madam?”
“Oh, very busy; so much influenza.”
“I am afraid, madam,” and Mr. Mainprice elongated himself over the counter with a waggish side twist of the head—“I am afraid we selfish people don’t show Dr. Steel much mercy.”