CHAPTER V.

PART III

In order that their gayity might not be diminished, and the food turned to ashes in their mouths

by the absence from the festive board of Mr. Beach, it was the custom for the upper

servants at blantings to postpone the start of their evening meal until dinner was nearly

over above stairs.

This enabled the butler to take his place at the head of the table without fear of

interruption, except for the few moments when coffee was being served.

Every night, shortly before half past eight, at which hour Mr. Beach felt that he might

safely withdraw from the dining-room and leave Lord Emsworth and his guests to the care

of Meridu, the underbutler, and James and Alfred, the footmen, returning only for a few

minutes to lend tone and distinction to the distribution of cigars and the cores.

Those whose rank entitled them to do so, made their way to the housekeepers room.

To pass, the interval before Mr. Beach should arrive, and a kitchen-made, with the appearance

of one who's been straining at the leash, and has at last managed to get free, open the

door with the announcement, Mr. Beach, if you please, dinner served.

On which Mr. Beach, extending a croaked elbow towards the housekeeper, would say, Mrs.

Tremlo, and lead the way, high and disposedly, down the passage, followed in order of rank

by the rest of the company, in couples to the stewards' room.

For plantings was not one of those houses, or shall we say hovels, where the upper servants

are expected not only to feed, but to congregate before feeding in the stewards' room.

Under the auspices of Mr. Beach and Mrs. Tremlo, who saw eye to eye with him in these matters,

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