_Presently Mr and Mrs Gilbey come in. They take their accustomed
places: he on the hearthrug, she at the colder end of the table._
MRS GILBEY. Did you smell scent in the hall, Rob?
GILBEY. No, I didnt. And I dont want to smell it. Dont you go
looking for trouble, Maria.
MRS GILBEY. [snuffing up the perfumed atmosphere] Shes been here.
[Gilbey rings the bell]. What are you ringing for? Are you going
to ask?
GILBEY. No, I'm not going to ask. Juggins said this morning he
wanted to speak to me. If he likes to tell me, let him; but I'm not
going to ask; and dont you either. [Juggins appears at the door].
You said you wanted to say something to me.
JUGGINS. When it would be convenient to you, sir.
GILBEY. Well, what is it?
MRS GILBEY. Oh, Juggins, we're expecting Mr and Mrs Knox to tea.
GILBEY. He knows that. [He sits down. Then, to Juggins] What is
it?
JUGGINS. [advancing to the middle of the table] Would it
inconvenience you, sir, if I was to give you a month's notice?
GILBEY. [taken aback] What! Why? Aint you satisfied?
JUGGINS. Perfectly, sir. It is not that I want to better myself, I
assure you.
GILBEY. Well, what do you want to leave for, then? Do you want to
worse yourself?
JUGGINS. No, sir. Ive been well treated in your most comfortable
establishment; and I should be greatly distressed if you or Mrs Gilbey
were to interpret my notice as an expression of dissatisfaction.
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