days could go by without our having an opportunity to exchange even the most

basic of information. Such a situation, we recognized, seriously jeopardized the

smooth running of operations, and to spend fifteen minutes or so together at the

end of the day in the privacy of Miss Kenton's parlour was the most

straightforward remedy. I must reiterate, these meetings were predominantly

professional in character; that is to say, for instance, we might talk over the

plans for a forthcoming event, or else discuss how a new recruit was settling

in.

 

In any case, to return to my thread, you will appreciate I was not unperturbed

at the prospect of telling Miss Kenton I was about to dismiss two of her maids.

Indeed, the maids had been perfectly satisfactory employees and - I may as well

say this since the Jewish issue has become so sensitive of late - my every

instinct opposed the idea of their dismissal. Nevertheless, my duty in this

instance was quite clear, and as I saw it, there was nothing to be gained at all

in irresponsibly displaying such personal doubts. It was a difficult task, but

as such, one that demanded to be carried out with dignity. And so it was that

when I finally raised the matter towards the end of our conversation that

evening, I did so in as concise and businesslike a way as possible, concluding

with the words:

 

"I will speak to the two employees in my pantry tomorrow morning at ten thirty.

I would be grateful then, Miss Kenton, if you would send them along. I leave it

entirely to yourself whether or not you inform them beforehand as to the nature

of what I am going to say to them."