"He named a sum that seemed trifling to Dorina. She could hardly have bought a hat for the amount that was to be the annual salary. But she knew that it was a generous wage for a secretary, and agreed without demur." - appalling wages.
But Celia replied seriously, “especially to Tiggy. He says humans can understand, but a poor dumb animal doesn't know what's happening, and it's very kind of him to go on living here in the circumstances. Tiggy always gets extra special fish after an explosion.” - animals aren't poor or dumb. It's a good thing we realise they are sentient these days instead of continuing to believe such drivel.
“I don't know about a well bred lady,” the desk sergeant protested. “From what I heard she has a splendid right hook.” - 😂😂😂
Fun book - well rounded characters.
New background for the story...