The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro [75]
As it turned out, I did not see her again until the afternoon, when, as I say, I came across her in the dining room, replacing crockery into the sideboard. By this point, I had been preoccupied for some hours with the matter of Miss Kenton’s sorrow, having given particular thought to the question of what I might best do or say to ease her burden a little. And when I had heard her footsteps entering the dining room – I was busy with some task out in the hall – I had waited a minute or so, then put down what I was doing and followed her in.
‘Ah, Miss Kenton,’ I said. ‘And how might you be this afternoon?’
‘Quite well, thank you, Mr Stevens.’
‘Is everything in order?’
‘Everything is quite in order, thank you.’
‘I had been meaning to ask you if you were experiencing any particular problems with the new recruits.’ I gave a small laugh. ‘Various small difficulties are apt to arise when so many new recruits arrive all at once. I dare say the best of us can often profit by a little professional discussion at such times.’
‘Thank you, Mr Stevens, but the new girls are very satisfactory to me.’
‘You don’t consider any changes necessary to the present staff plans on account of the recent arrivals?’
‘I don’t think any such changes will be necessary, Mr Stevens. However, if I change my view on this, I will let you know immediately.’
She turned her attention back to the sideboard, and for a moment, I thought about leaving the dining room. In fact, I believe I actually took a few steps towards the doorway, but then I turned to her again and said:
‘So, Miss Kenton, the new recruits are getting on well, you say.’
‘They are both doing very well, I assure you.’
‘Ah, that is good to hear.’ I gave another short laugh. ‘I merely wondered, because we had established that neither girls had worked previously in a house of this size.’
‘Indeed, Mr Stevens.’
I watched her filling the sideboard and waited to see if she would say anything further. When after several moments it became clear she would not, I said: ‘As a matter of fact, Miss Kenton, I have to say this. I have noticed one or two things have fallen in standard just recently. I do feel you might be a little less complacent as regards new arrivals.’
‘Whatever do you mean, Mr Stevens?’
‘For my part, Miss Kenton, whenever new recruits arrive, I like to make doubly sure all is well. I check all aspects of their work and try to gauge how they are conducting themselves with other staff members. It is, after all, important to form a clear view of them both technically and in terms of their impact on general morale. I regret to say this, Miss Kenton, but I believe you have been a little remiss in these respects.’
For a second, Miss Kenton looked confused. Then she turned towards me and a certain strain was visible in her face.
‘I beg your pardon, Mr Stevens?’
‘For instance, Miss Kenton, although the crockery is being washed to as high a standard as ever, I have noticed it is being replaced on the kitchen shelves in a manner which, while not obviously dangerous, would nevertheless over time result in more breakages than necessary.’
‘Is that so, Mr Stevens?’
‘Yes, Miss Kenton. Furthermore, that little alcove outside the breakfast room has not been dusted for some time. You will excuse me, but there are one or two other small things I might mention.’
‘You needn’t press your point, Mr Stevens. I will, as you suggest, check the work of the new maids.