Jewry.

 

Whereas his lordship, I might venture, is somewhat better placed to judge what

is for the best. Now, Miss Kenton, I really must retire. I thank you again for

the cocoa. Ten thirty tomorrow morning. Send the two employees concerned,

please."

 

It was evident from the moment the two maids stepped into my pantry the

following morning that Miss Kenton had already spoken to them, for they both

came in sobbing. I explained the situation to them as briefly as possible,

underlining that their work had been satisfactory and that they would,

accordingly, receive good references. As I recall, neither of them said anything

of note throughout the whole interview, which lasted perhaps three or four

minutes, and they left sobbing just as they had arrived.

 

Miss Kenton was extremely cold towards me for some days following the dismissal

of the employees. Indeed, at times she was quite rude to me, even in the

presence of staff. And although we continued our habit of meeting for cocoa in

the evening, the sessions tended to be brief and unfriendly. When there had been

no sign of her behaviour abating after a fortnight or so, I think you will

understand that I started to become a little impatient. I thus said to her

during one of our cocoa sessions, in an ironic tone of voice:

 

"Miss Kenton, I'd rather expected you to have handed in your notice by now,"

accompanying this with a light laugh. I did, I suppose, hope that she might