MARGARET. Shut up, Dora: I want to hear.
JUGGINS. I will explain; but only Mrs Knox will understand. I once
insulted a servant--rashly; for he was a sincere Christian. He
rebuked me for trifling with a girl of his own class. I told him to
remember what he was, and to whom he was speaking. He said God would
remember. I discharged him on the spot.
GILBEY. Very properly.
KNOX. What right had he to mention such a thing to you?
MRS GILBEY. What are servants coming to?
MRS KNOX. Did it come true, what he said?
JUGGINS. It stuck like a poisoned arrow. It rankled for months.
Then I gave in. I apprenticed myself to an old butler of ours who
kept a hotel. He taught me my present business, and got me a place as
footman with Mr Gilbey. If ever I meet that man again I shall be able
to look him in the face.
MRS KNOX. Margaret: it's not on account of the duke: dukes are
vanities. But take my advice and take him.
MARGARET. [slipping her arm through his] I have loved Juggins
since the first day I beheld him. I felt instinctively he had been in
the Guards. May he walk out with me, Mr Gilbey?
KNOX. Dont be vulgar, girl. Remember your new position. [To
Juggins] I suppose youre serious about this, Mr--Mr Rudolph?
JUGGINS. I propose, with your permission, to begin keeping company
this afternoon, if Mrs Gilbey can spare me.
GILBEY. [in a gust of envy, to Bobby] Itll be long enough before
youll marry the sister of a duke, you young good-for-nothing.
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