The caterer has just 'phoned
that he is sending the extra ices out on the last train, but that he
cannot send another waiter. Jenkins, leaving the way he did, has upset
everything. I suppose it is too late to get anybody now; the special
car gets here at nine. What is that noise? It sounds like some one
singing in the dining-room."
"It's the new furnace man, madam, that Mrs. Queerington sent. It looks
like he can't keep himself quiet."
"I'll quiet him!" said Mrs. Sequin, who was as near irritation as full
dress would permit.
Phineas Flathers, having replenished the fire, was pausing a moment to
admire himself in the Dutch mirror above the mantel when Mrs. Sequin
startled him by inquiring peremptorily if he was the new man.
"I am," said Phineas with pronounced deference, "_the_ new man and _a_
new man. Regenerated, born again, mam, the spirit of evil having
departed from me."
Mrs. Sequin gasped. "What is your name?"
"Flathers, mam."
"Dreadful! I will call you Benson."
"Benson it is. Better men than me have changed their names. There was
Saul now, Saul of Tarsus--"
"Turn the drafts off in the furnace and don't come up-stairs again on
any account.
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