'Did I? Well, it's very much the same. Look here, Edith dear. This is what I want to ask you. I remember now. Oh, do you mind ringing the bell for me? I must tell Marie about the tea, in case people call.' Edith obeyed. 'You see, dear,' went on her hostess, 'I've undertaken a terrific number of things--Belgian refugees, weekly knitting, hundreds of societies--all sorts of war work. Well, you know how busy I am, even without all that, don't you? Thank heaven the boys are at school, but there are the children in the nursery, and I don't leave them--at least hardly ever--to their nurse. I look after them myself--when I think of it. Oh, they've grown such heavenly angels--too sweet! And how's your pet, Dilly?' 'Very well. But do go on.' 'How right of you to keep me to the point, darling. That's where you're such a comfort always. Do you mind passing me my glasses? Thanks.' She put them on and immediately took them off. She only needed them for reading. 'Oh yes. I wanted to consult you about something, Edith.' The footman came in. 'Oh, Standing, send Marie to me at once.... Bother the man, how he keeps worrying! Well, Edith dear, as I've got all this tremendous lot of work to do, I've made up my mind, for the sake of my health, I simply must have a sort of secretary or companion. You see?' 'I quite see. You spoke of it before.' 'Well, how do you think that woman you introduced to me, Madame Frabelle--how do you think she would--? Oh, Marie, today's my day at home; isn't it, Edith?' 'Today is Thursday,' said Edith. 'Thursday! Oh, my dear. Thursday's not my day at home. Well, anyhow, never mind about that. What was I saying, Marie?' Marie remained respectfully waiting, with a tight French smile on her intelligent face. 'Oh, I know what it was. Marie, I want you to look after certain things for me here--anyhow, at present. I want you to tell the cook that I want tea at four o'clock. Oh no, it's half-past four--well, at five. And there's something I particularly want for tea. What is it?' she asked, looking at Edith. Immediately answering herself she said: 'I know, I want muffins.' 'Madame want "nuffing"?' said Marie. 'No, no, no! Don't be so stupid. It's an English thing, Marie; you wouldn't understand. Something I've forgotten to tell the cook about. It's so cosy I always think in the winter in London. It always cheers me up. You know, what is it?... I know--muffins--_muffins_!' she said the word carefully to the French maid. Edith came to the rescue. 'Tell the cook,' she said, 'for madame, that she wants some muffins for tea.' 'Oh, oui. Ah, oui, bien, madame. Merci, madame.' As the maid was going away Lady Conroy called out: 'Oh, tell the cook it doesn't matter. I won't have them today.' 'Bien, madame.'