"Not I, indeed."
"I can. And can you make a tansy pudding?"
"Holy Mary! such women's work!"
"Women are useful, my friend, in their way—occasionally. And it is desirable, now and then, even for the nobler sex, to know how to do women's work. Now I dare say you have not the least notion how a shirt is made? I can sew beautifully."
"By the head of St. Barbara!"—Gilbert began.
"Avoid Catholic oaths, Gilbert, if you please. And never be above learning. Pick up all you can—no matter what. It may come in use some time."
"I wish you would tell me how you mean to get in?"
"Mr. Passmore was observing at dinner that he wanted a new under-footman. I shall offer myself for the place."
Gilbert's eyes and mouth opened rather wide.
"I can carry coal-scuttles, my friend," said Mr. Cuthbert Stevens, insinuatingly. "And I could black a boot. In a week (or as soon as my purpose was served) I should have a bad cough, find that the work was too hard for me, and leave."