"That's very kind of you, Miss Kenton."

 

"It's a shame more sun doesn't get in here.

 

The walls are even a little damp, are they not, Mr Stevens?"

 

I turned back to my accounts, saying: "Merely condensation, I believe, Miss

Kenton."

 

She put her vase down on the table in front of me, then glancing around my

pantry again said:

 

"If you wish, Mr Stevens, I might bring in some more cuttings for you."

 

"Miss Kenton, I appreciate your kindness. But this is not a room of

entertainment. I am happy to have distractions kept to a minimum."

 

"But surely, Mr Stevens, there is no need to keep your room so stark and bereft

of colour."

 

"It has served me perfectly well thus far as it is, Miss Kenton, though I

appreciate your thoughts. In fact, since you are here, there was a certain

matter I wished to raise with you."