“And they take the opportunity of enjoying themselves during his absence. Quite right and proper.”
“No, not altogether that; his lordship knows of the little affair, which is to come off in a day or two—has given permission, in fact. The butler, who has been in the family for the last thirty years, is a great favourite with his lordship. The butler’s fellow servants purpose presenting him with a watch and chain, as a token of their respect and esteem.”
“Also very right and proper, I suppose.”
“Now, don’t be satirical, old man,” observed Brickett, with a smile. “Just hear me out. Henry Adolphus——”
“Who is he?”
“The footman.”
“Ah! I see; the footman.”
“Yes. Well, as I was a saying, Henry Adolphus told me this morning that they were, in addition to other festivities, going to have a bit of a dance. But how about the band?”
“Have Weippert’s from London.”
“Hang it, don’t be so contrary! Two or three musicians will be all they will require. Will you be one?”