William quite agreed, yet he dare not say as much to his master. In his opinion, there was no ground for comparison between the dethroned goddess of whom he had always been a little in awe, and the creature of grace and charm, of fine perception and feminine amenity who slept the other side the "studio" wall. For all that, in the sight of this young man, one aspect of the case was now a matter of concern.
"Miss June," he said on the evening of the second day, "do you mind if I get up early to-morrow and do a few odd jobs about the house?"
"What sort of jobs?" Miss June's air of suspicion was tinged with sternness. Now that she reigned in Mrs. Runciman's stead she could not help feeling rather important.
"If you'll show me where the brushes are kept, I'll blacklead the kitchen grate."
"Please don't come interfering." In June's manner was a touch of hauteur.
Beneath the tan of East Anglia, the young man coloured. "But you'll spoil your hands," he ventured.
"My hands are no affair of yours," said June, a little touched, and trying not to show it.
"Let me take over the kitchen grate for the future. And if you don't mind, I'll scrub the shop floor."
"Is there anything else you'd like to do?" said June, with amused scorn.
"I'd like to do all the really rough jobs if I may."
"For why?"
The Sawney had given his reason already, and, in spite of a growing embarrassment, he stuck to his guns.
Said June sternly: "You mustn't come interfering."
