She was not sure she had heard him, and was about to repeat her question.

He turned his head and looked at her over his shoulder. “I prefer to keep them on,” he said with emphasis, and she noticed that he wore big blue spectacles with sidelights, and had a bush side-whisker over his coat collar that completely hid his cheeks and face.

“Very well, sir,” she said. “ As you like. In a bit the room will be warmer.”