"You played that instrument in the corner." "I did, ma'am," said Wiggleswick.
Zora looked down at the point of her umbrella on the floor.

Having no reason to disbelieve Wiggleswick's circumstantial though entirely fictitious story, and having by the smile put herself at a disadvantage, she felt uncomfortably routed.
"Your master never told you where he was going or how long he was likely to be away ?" she asked.
"My master, ma'am," replied Wiggleswick, "never knows where he is going.
That's why he wants a wife who can tell him." Zora rose and looked around her.

Then, with a sweep of her umbrella indicating the general dustiness and untidiness of the room: "The best thing you can do," said she, "is to have the house thoroughly cleaned and put in order.

They may be back any day.

I'll send in a charwoman to help you." "Thank you, ma'am," said Wiggleswick, somewhat glumly.