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"But it comes very heavy on you sometimes. I wish you'd let Mrs. Field do a little more. She's quite willing."

"She's more than willing—she's eager. But she isn't at all strong."

"Nor are you, my dear. Don't forget what Dr. Clonboy said about your heart."

"He didn't say anything that need frighten us; and anyway, I haven't another house to look after with five great hulking men in it. Besides, it's in my own interest to consider Mrs. Field. If she gets ill I'd lose Rosie too, as she'd have to look after the home. Don't worry about me, dear."

"I'll try not to. I know we can't afford a proper staff even if we could get one, and I know one reason why Iris is short of money is that she must have a lot of servants, because she can't do anything for herself. But I don't like to see you slaving away while she just flits about."

"How beautifully you describe her, darling. She does flit. But is she really short of money—at last?"

"Yes, I think even Iris is beginning to feel the draft a little. She's felt it less than most of us up till now; but at last things are getting a bit tight even with her. That's why I expect to have some difficulty in getting her to accept Vine's price for Birdskitchen."