Reading Comprehension.
Sletherby heard not a single word, noted not one of the details that were being expounded to him. His eyes were fixed on the door panel, on which were displayed two crests: a greyhound courant and a demi-lion holding in its paw a cross-crosslet. “Brilliant woman, level-headed, a clear thinker, knows exactly when to take up an individual or a cause, exactly when to let him or it drop. Influential woman, but spoils herself and her chances by being too restless. No repose. Good appearance, too, till she made that idiotic change.”
“Change?” queried Sletherby, “what change?”
“What change? You don’t mean to say- Oh, of course, you’ve only known her just lately. She used to have beautiful dark brown hair, which went very well with her fresh complexion; then one day, about five weeks ago, she electrified everybody by appearing as a brilliant blonde. Quite ruined her looks. Here we are. I say, what’s the matter with you? You look rather ill.”
(a) Why was Mr. Sletherby speechless?
(b) Who described Mrs. Saltpen-Jago as a brilliant and influential woman?
(c) How did Mrs. Saltpen-Jago spoil her chances?
(d) What idiotic change had Mrs. Saltpen-Jago made in her good appearance?
(e) Why did Mr. Sletherby look very ill suddenly?