"The matter is perfectly under control, Mr Stevens."

 

"Ah, I'm very glad to hear it. It just struck me as a thought, that's all."

 

I was about to continue on my way, but Miss Kenton did not move. Then she took

one step more towards me so that a bar of light fell across her face and I could

see the angry expression on it.

 

"Unfortunately, Mr Stevens, I am extremely busy now and I am finding I have

barely a single moment to spare. If only I had as much spare time as you

evidently do, then I would happily reciprocate by wandering about this house

reminding you of tasks you have perfectly well in hand."

 

"Now, Miss Kenton, there is no need to become so bad tempered. I merely felt the

need to satisfy myself that it had not escaped your attention."

 

"Mr Stevens, this is the fourth or fifth time in the past two days you have felt

such a need, it is most curious to see that you have so much time on your hands

that you are able to simply wander about this house bothering others with

gratuitous comments."

 

"Miss Kenton, if you for one moment believe I have time on my hands, that

displays more clearly than ever your great inexperience. I trust that in years

to come, you will gain a clearer picture of what occurs in a house like this."