I can take your coat, sir. If you’ll remove your boots, Carlo will clean them. Some house slippers for you. And if you’ll follow me.
          I think you’ll find the weather clement for your stay, although we shall be lighting fires in the evening. Sir John will be occupied on business until seven, but will join you in the dining room at that time. Madam is unhappily indisposed, but perhaps nurse will introduce you to the little one. Yes, very young indeed he is. If you require anything in the meanwhile, please dial zero and I will be happy to provide.
          Six years, sir. Before that I was in the employ of Madam’s father, the late Lord Weir.
          Your room, sir. I believe you will find it well-aired. Oh yes? Back in the late master’s day? You will see it is little changed. This counterpane has been in the family… yes, Lord Weir’s family, since the time of Queen Anne. Mended? Yes, sir, no doubt mended more than once, but still very fine, as you can see. Yes, of course, that’s true, there has been less entertaining than in earlier days.
          The wardrobe should be sufficient to hold your luggage. Of course, sir, if you wish. It is a gentleman’s prerogative to unpack his own clothes.
          Now if you’ll… Simon, sir. If you need anything at all, pick up the telephone and ask for me by name.
          I’m afraid I don’t recall, sir. Before my time? Perhaps not. I was in Lord Weir’s employ for twenty-seven years and no doubt I was here when you.
          Ah.
          Yes, you would have been quite young then. Lord Weir did have acquaintances from many walks of life. I’m afraid I don’t recall the lady particularly, sir. As you say, the late master had much business before many people when he sadly passed away.
          As you say. I use the phrase only as a matter of delicacy and convention, sir. No, it was no conventional passing. I regret if I have implied otherwise. All concerned were much saddened, and the madman who was convicted was very justly.
          Of course, sir. I was his loyal.
          Yes, sir, entirely loyal, as I now am to Sir John, who will be happy to receive you at.
          Yes, as I’ve said. At seven o’clock. A matter of business? I was led to believe it was a more personal. Yes, of course, both things can be true. No, I’m afraid I know nothing of the provisions of the.
          Most generous, sir, but entirely unnecessary. But as you like. No, there will be no other guests in attendance tonight, except as I’ve said, perhaps the baby. You are the first, the others will not arrive until tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. Sir John prefers to breakfast alone, so I will arrange.
          As you wish, sir. If you change your mind you only need call.
          Are you sure I cannot help you with? Of course, of course. The plumbing has been entirely overhauled, I’m sure you will find it satisfactory.
          A great pleasure to meet you too, sir! Yes, at seven. No, Sir John prefers the staff to retire after we serve the dinner, and to clean up in the morning. In that way he can be assured of complete privacy for his guests and himself. Yes sir, entirely to yourselves.
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