CHAPTER XXXVII.
Jonathan's Domestics.—Reduced Duchesses.—Queer Ideas of Equality.—Unchivalrous Man.—The Ladies of the Feather-broom.—Mr. Vanderbilt's Cook.—Negroes.—Pompey's Wedding.—Where is my coat?—Kitchen Pianists.—"Punch's" Caricatures Outdone by Reality.—A Lady seeks a Situation as Dishwasher.—Why it is Desirable not to Part with your Servants on Bad Terms.
onathan's domestics all appear to me to be reduced duchesses and noblemen in livery.
When you speak to a man-servant, before replying he scans you from head to foot, and seems to say:
"Who may you be? Be careful how you talk to me! We are a free nation: all equals here, and I am as good as you, sir!"
And you feel inclined to say to him:
"I congratulate you, young man, upon living in a free country; but since we are all equals here, and I am civil to you, why on earth cannot you be civil to me?"
The fellow is lacking in logic.
The manner of the maid-servant is different; she wears a look of contempt and profound disgust: she seems to say with a sigh: