The cloth over the mirror looked more worn than last week. I always sit in the same chair. It's the only one that never creaks.

• Nell BriggsI see to that chair myself every morning, milady. Wouldn't do for it to creak.
  Lady Henrietta StanhopeThank you. Three years, and I never knew.
• Cyril AshbyMadame, shall I have the sums you've paid these three years tallied and sent to you?
  Lady Henrietta StanhopeThat won't be necessary. I have never once haggled the price.