"'Oh, you mean if you take the place. I understand you now,' rejoined my lord; 'why, you're to do every thing but sweep the chimneys and clean the pig-sties, and those I do myself.'
"The gentleman stared, scarcely knowing what to make of this, and seemed to wish himself out of the room; he, however, grinned a ghastly smile, and, after a short pause, inquired what salary his lordship gave!
"'Salary, salary?' reiterated his incorrigible lord ship, 'don't know the word, don't know the word, my good man.'
"Again the gentleman explained; 'I mean what wages?'
"'Oh, wages,' echoed my lord; 'what d'ye ask? what d'ye ask?'
"Trip regained his self-possession at this question, which looked like business, and considering for a few moments, answered—first stipulating to be found in hair-powder, and (on state occasions) silk stockings, and gloves, bags and bouquets—that he should expect thirty pounds a year.
"'How much, how much?' demanded my lord rapidly.
"'Thirty pounds, my lord.'
"'Thirty pounds!' exclaimed Lord Eardley, in affected amazement; 'make it guineas, and I'll live with YOU;' then ringing the bell, said to the servant who answered it, 'Let out this gentleman, he's too good for me;' and then turning to Matthews, who was much amused, said, as the man made his exit, 'Conceited, impudent, scoundrel! Soon sent him off, soon sent him off, Master Matthews.'"