"You were in Hollywood before that, maybe?"
"For about eighteen months, I was."
"A butler, always?"
"Always a butler, sir. I had a number of berths before I went with Miss Fane. I am bound to ay that I was unhappy in all of them."
"The work was, perhaps, too difficult?"
"Not at all, sir. I objected to the familiarity of my employers. There is a certain reserve that should exit between servant and master. I found that lacking. The ladies I worked for would often weep in my presence and tell me stories of unrequited love. The gentlemen who engaged me were inclined to treat me like some long-lost brother. One in particular was accustomed to address me as 'old pal' and when a bit under the influence, would embrace me in the presence of guests. A man has his dignity, sir."
(from The Black Camel, by Earl Derr Biggers)
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