Edgar Wallace

“ Daver," she said, "and I don't suppose for one moment that I shall suit you, I have had no experience in hotel management, and I realise, from the salary you offer——"
"Quiet," said Mr. Daver, shaking his head solemnly: "that is what I require. There is very little work, but I wished to be relieved even of that little. My own labours"—he waved his hand to a pedestal desk littered with paper—"are colossal. I need a lady to keep accounts—to watch my interests. Somebody I can trust. I believe in faces, do you? I see that you do. ”

“ The salary is terribly generous."
"'Terribly generous,'" repeated the man, in a murmur. "How curious those words sound in juxtaposition! My housekeeper. How kind of you to bring the tea, Mrs. Burton!"
The door opened and a woman bearing a silver tray came in. She was dressed very neatly in black. The faded eyes scarcely looked at Margaret as she stood meekly waiting while Mr. Daver spoke.
Mrs. Burton, this is the new secretary to the company. She must have the best room in the Keep—the Blue Room. But—ah!"—he pinched his lip anxiously—"blue may not be your colour?"
Again Margaret laughed. ”

“ Daver with the house, and Margaret was ushered into a large and lofty room which covered the superficial area of the Keep.
"The Banquittin' 'all," said Mrs. Burton in a thin cockney voice remarkable for its monotony. "It's used as a lounge. We've only got three boarders. Mr. Daver's very partic'lar. We get a lot in for the winter."
"Three boarders isn't a very paying proposition," said the girl.
Mrs. Burton sniffed.
"Mr. Daver don't want it to pay. It's the company he likes. He only turned it into a boardin' 'ouse because he likes to see people come and go without having to talk to 'em. ”