"Of course I did, ma'am," said Wiggleswick, who went on mendaciously to explain that he had used every means in his power to prevail on his master to submit to the orthodox ceremony for the sake of the family.
"Then you might have given me a hint as to what was going on."
Wiggleswick assumed a shocked expression. "And disobey my master? Orders is orders, ma'am. I once wore the Queen's uniform."
Zora, sitting on the arm of a chair, half steadying herself with her umbrella, regarded the old man standing respectfully at attention before her with a smile whose quizzicality she could not restrain. The old villain drew himself up in a dignified way.
"I don't mean the government uniform, ma'am. I've had my misfortunes like anyone else. I was once in the army—in the band."
"Mr. Dix told me that you had been in the band," said Zora with all her graciousness, so as to atone for the smile. "You played that instrument in the corner."
"I did, ma'am," said Wiggleswick.
Zora looked down at the point of her umbrella on the floor. Having no reason to disbelieve Wiggleswick's circumstantial though entirely fictitious story, and having by the smile put herself at a disadvantage, she felt uncomfortably routed.
"Your master never told you where he was going or how long he was likely to be away?" she asked.
"My master, ma'am," replied Wiggleswick, "never knows where he is going. That's why he wants a wife who can tell him."