“Yes. Well, now just listen to me a moment or so. He came here this morning to order some chartreuse, some bottles of seltzer and soda, together with many other things. It appears that the servants are going to have a party all to themselves. His lordship is in London――――” “And they take the opportunity of enjoying themselves during his absence. Quite right and proper.” “No, not altogether that; his lordship knows of the little affair, which is to come off in a day or two――has given permission, in fact. The butler, who has been in the family for the last thirty years, is a great favourite with his lordship. The butler’s fellow servants purpose presenting him with a watch and chain, as a token of their respect and esteem.” “Also very right and proper, I suppose.” “Now, don’t be satirical, old man,” observed Brickett, with a smile. “Just hear me out. Henry Adolphus――――” “Who is he?” “The footman.” “Ah! I see; the footman.” “Yes. Well, as I was a saying, Henry Adolphus told me this morning that they were, in addition to other festivities, going to have a bit of a dance. But how about the band?” “Have Weippert’s from London.” “Hang it, don’t be so contrary! Two or three musicians will be all they will require. Will you be one?” “Me! Most certainly, if you desire it.” “You won’t lose anything by it.” “Oh, dear, I should suppose not.” “Henry Adolphus has heard of you, and asked me if you were stopping here. I sed yes, in course; and I also sed I was certain sure you would be ready when they required your services.” “You’re as good as a father to me,” observed Peace, with a smile. “An yer know, although they are but servants, they are big people in their way at the hall, let me tell ’ee that. And they can do a chap a good turn when un loike.” “I shall be most delighted to make their acquaintance――of that rest quite satisfied. Make what arrangement you like with regard to me――I will do my very best to fulfil it.” “Right you are, old man――leave the matter in my hands.” Two days after this the footman again made his appearance at the inn; he had more orders to give to the landlord――more arrangements to make. Brickett conducted him into the parlour and introduced him to our hero, who was at the time having his mid-day meal. “This is the gentleman I wer a speaking to ’ee about Mr. Peace, sir,” said Brickett――addressing himself to the flunkey. “Glad to make your acquaintance, sir,” said Henry Adolphus. Peace bowed. “I am very glad to meet you, sir,” said he. The footman gave a dignified bend of his body, and handed our hero a card. It was an invitation to the party to be held at the servants’ hall on the following night. “An you’ll have no objection to oblige them with a tune or two?” said the landlord. “Certainly not, that’s understood. Are there any other performers to be there besides myself?” “A cornet player and a gentleman who plays bass,” answered the footman.