"Mr Stevens, I may not have been a housekeeper for long, but I would say that in

the time I have been, my abilities have attracted some very generous remarks."

 

"I do not doubt your competence for one moment, Miss Kenton. But a hundred

things should have indicated to you that my father is a figure of unusual

distinction from whom you may learn a wealth of things were you prepared to be

more observant."

 

"I am most indebted to you for your advice, Mr Stevens. So do please tell me,

just what marvellous things might I learn from observing your father?"

 

"I would have thought it obvious to anyone with eyes, Miss Kenton."

 

"But we have already established, have we not, that I am particularly deficient

in that respect."

 

"Miss Kenton, if you are under the impression you have already at your age

perfected yourself, you will never rise to the heights you are no doubt capable

of. I might point out, for instance, you are still often unsure of what goes

where and which item is which."

 

This seemed to take the wind out of Miss Kenton's sails somewhat: Indeed, for a

moment, she looked a little upset. Then she said:

 

"I had a little difficulty on first arriving, but that is surely only normal."