GILBEY. [paternally] Now you listen to me, Juggins.  I’m an older man than you.  Dont you throw out dirty water til you get in fresh.  Dont get too big for your boots.  Youre like all servants nowadays:  you think youve only to hold up your finger to get the pick of half a dozen jobs.  But you wont be treated everywhere as youre treated here.  In bed every night before eleven; hardly a ring at the door except on Mrs Gilbey’s day once a month; and no other manservant to interfere with you.  It may be a bit quiet perhaps; but youre past the age of adventure.  Take my advice:  think over it.  You suit me; and I’m prepared to make it suit you if youre dissatisfied—­in reason, you know.

JUGGINS.  I realize my advantages, sir; but Ive private reasons—­

GILBEY. [cutting him short angrily and retiring to the hearthrug in dudgeon] Oh, I know.  Very well:  go.  The sooner the better.

MRS GILBEY.  Oh, not until we’re suited.  He must stay his month.

GILBEY. [sarcastic] Do you want to lose him his character, Maria?  Do you think I dont see what it is?  We’re prison folk now.  Weve been in the police court. [To Juggins] Well, I suppose you know your own business best.  I take your notice:  you can go when your month is up, or sooner, if you like.

JUGGINS.  Believe me, sir—­

GILBEY.  Thats enough:  I dont want any excuses.  I dont blame you. 
You can go downstairs now, if youve nothing else to trouble me about.

JUGGINS.  I really cant leave it at that, sir.  I assure you Ive no objection to young Mr Gilbey’s going to prison.  You may do six months yourself, sir, and welcome, without a word of remonstrance from me.  I’m leaving solely because my brother, who has suffered a bereavement, and feels lonely, begs me to spend a few months with him until he gets over it.

GILBEY.  And is he to keep you all that time? or are you to spend your savings in comforting him?  Have some sense, man:  how can you afford such things?

JUGGINS.  My brother can afford to keep me, sir.  The truth is, he objects to my being in service.

GILBEY.  Is that any reason why you should be dependent on him?  Dont do it, Juggins:  pay your own way like an honest lad; and dont eat your brother’s bread while youre able to earn your own.

JUGGINS.  There is sound sense in that, sir.  But unfortunately it is a tradition in my family that the younger brothers should spunge to a considerable extent on the eldest.

GILBEY.  Then the sooner that tradition is broken, the better, my man.

JUGGINS.  A Radical sentiment, sir.  But an excellent one.

GILBEY.  Radical!  What do you mean?  Dont you begin to take liberties, Juggins, now that you know we’re loth to part with you.  Your brother isnt a duke, you know.

JUGGINS.  Unfortunately, he is, sir.

GILBEY.     |   What!    |
|            | together
|            |
MRS GILBEY. |   Juggins! |

JUGGINS.  Excuse me, sir:  the bell. [He goes out].