"AUXILIARY ASSISTANCE" IN THE PROVINCES.
(A Tragedy-Farce in several painful Scenes, with many unpleasant Situations.)
Locality—The Interior of Country Place taken for the Shooting Season. Preparations for a feast in all directions. It is Six o' Clock, and the household are eagerly waiting the appearance of Montagu Marmaduke, the Auxiliary Butler, sent in by Contract. Enter Montagu Marmaduke, in comic evening dress.
Master (looking at Montagu with an expression of disappointment on his face). What, are you the man they have sent me?
Montagu. Yessir. And I answers to Montagu Marmaduke, or some gentlemen prefers to call me by my real name Binks.
Master. Oh, Montagu will do. I hope you know your duties?
Mon. Which I was in service, Sir, with Sir Barnaby Jinks, for twenty-six years, and——
Master. Very well, I daresay you will do. I suppose you know about the wine?
Mon. Yessir. In course. I've been a teetotaler ever since I left Sir Barnaby's.
Master (retiring). And mind, do not murder the names of the guests.