MRS GILBEY. [piously] Aye!  He found out, didnt he?

GILBEY. [reverently] I never denied that youve a great intellect,
Mrs Knox—­

MRS KNOX.  Oh get along with you, Gilbey, if you begin talking about my intellect.  Give us some tea, Maria.  Ive said my say; and Im sure I beg the company’s pardon for being so long about it, and so disagreeable.

MRS GILBEY.  Ring, Rob. [Gilbey rings].  Stop.  Juggins will think we’re ringing for him.

GILBEY. [appalled] It’s too late.  I rang before I thought of it.

MRS GILBEY.  Step down and apologize, Rob.

KNOX.  Is it him that you said was brother to a—­

Juggins comes in with the tea-tray.  All rise.  He takes the tray to Mrs. Gilbey.

GILBEY.  I didnt mean to ask you to do this, Mr Juggins.  I wasnt thinking when I rang.

MRS GILBEY. [trying to take the tray from him] Let me, Juggins.

JUGGINS.  Please sit down, madam.  Allow me to discharge my duties just as usual, sir.  I assure you that is the correct thing. [They sit down, ill at ease, whilst he places the tray on the table.  He then goes out for the curate].

KNOX. [lowering his voice] Is this all right, Gilbey?  Anybody may be the son of a duke, you know.  Is he legitimate?

GILBEY.  Good lord!  I never thought of that.

Juggins returns with the cakes.  They regard him with suspicion.

GILBEY. [whispering to Knox] You ask him.

KNOX. [to Juggins] Just a word with you, my man.  Was your mother married to your father?

JUGGINS.  I believe so, sir.  I cant say from personal knowledge.  It was before my time.

GILBEY.  Well, but look here you know—­[he hesitates].

JUGGINS.  Yes, sir?

KNOX.  I know whatll clinch it, Gilbey.  You leave it to me. [To
Juggins] Was your mother the duchess?

JUGGINS.  Yes, sir.  Quite correct, sir, I assure you. [To Mrs
Gilbey] That is the milk, madam. [She has mistaken the jugs]. 
This is the water.

They stare at him in pitiable embarrassment.

MRS KNOX.  What did I tell you?  Heres something out of the common happening with a servant; and we none of us know how to behave.

JUGGINS.  It’s quite simple, madam.  I’m a footman, and should be treated as a footman. [He proceeds calmly with his duties, handing round cups of tea as Mrs Knox fills them].

Shrieks of laughter from below stairs reach the ears of the company.

MRS GILBEY.  Whats that noise?  Is Master Bobby at home?  I heard his laugh.

MRS KNOX.  I’m sure I heard Margaret’s.

GILBEY.  Not a bit of it.  It was that woman.

JUGGINS.  I can explain, sir.  I must ask you to excuse the liberty; but I’m entertaining a small party to tea in my pantry.