‘And now, rascal,’ said the beau to the valet, ‘you are no longer in my service—I discharge you. And you may thank your stars that I let you off so easily.’
‘I was about to discharge you. sir,’ rejoined the valet, impertinently. ‘I don’t desire to live with a gentleman who takes his servants by surprise. He’s as bad as a jealous husband.’
‘Stay!’ cried the beau—‘you don’t leave me in that way. Antoine, stand by him. Now, sir, take off that peruke—take it off carefully—now the sword.’
The orders were obeyed, and the wig and sword delivered to the French valet.
‘Now take off the coat.’ Mr. Cripps complied with a sigh.
‘Now the waistcoat.’ The order was obeyed.
‘Now the cravat.’ And it was taken off.
‘Now the diamond buckles.’
‘Anything else?’ inquired Mr. Cripps, as he gave up the buckles. ‘Recollect there are ladies in the room, sir.’
‘Yes; take yourself off,’ rejoined the beau.