one grey and drizzly afternoon when I was in the billiard room attending to Lord

Darlington's sporting trophies. Miss Kenton had entered and said from the door:

 

"Mr Stevens, I have just noticed something outside which puzzles me."

 

"What is that, Miss Kenton?"

 

"Was it his lordship's wish that the Chinaman on the upstairs landing should be

exchanged with the one outside this door?"

 

"The Chinaman, Miss Kenton?"

 

"Yes, Mr Stevens. The Chinaman normally on the landing you will now find outside

this door."

 

"I fear, Miss Kenton, that you are a little confused."

 

"I do not believe I am confused at all, Mr Stevens. I make it my business to

acquaint myself with where objects properly belong in a house. The Chinamen, I

would suppose, were polished by someone then replaced incorrectly. If you are

sceptical, Mr Stevens, perhaps you will care to step out here and observe for

yourself."

 

"Miss Kenton, I am occupied at present." "But, Mr Stevens, you do not appear to

believe what I am saying. I am thus asking you to step outside this door and see