Miss E monologue — Seeking his fortune, and other dialogues

(_seating herself C. in disgust_). Was there ever any annoyance equal to that of keeping servants? Mine are a constant source of trouble. I have threatened to discharge them all to-morrow morning. But what shall I gain by it? I shall have another set who will perhaps try my patience even more than these have done. Servants understand their importance, and realize their power over their employers. It is becoming a species of tyranny. If I could only do without them I most assuredly would do so. (_A shout of laughter is heard in the distance. MISS E. stands up._) What! haven’t they done yet? Probably they are gormandizing, downstairs, at my expense. (_To the audience—a little sarcastically:_) I have heard some persons wish for wealth, so that they could afford to keep servants to wait on them. They do not realize the emptiness of their desires. A person who has few wants, and can minister to them himself, is more independent than the wealthiest person living. Those who keep a multitude of servants are dependent on _their whims_, and should not be surprised at frequent outbursts of High Life Below Stairs.