"If there is anything to be learnt we are more likely to find it out from them than the guests.

Trust the backstairs for knowing what's going on upstairs! Servants want skilful handling, though.

You've got to know when to bully and when to coax.

Half measures are no good with them." Captain Stanhill did not reply.

He wandered round the spacious library, glancing at the rows of books in their oaken shelves.