ENTERTAINING HIS HOSTS

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3, 30 January 1908, Page 37

ENTERTAINING HIS HOSTS

An English woman of decidedly snobbish instincts, but socially" entrenched behind great, ar/d hew, riches, once engaged the late Corney Grain to give an entertainment at her country house. She ' left instructions that the entertainer, when he arrived, was to dine with the servants. The butler, who knew better, apologized, but Corney was a man not easily disconcerted, - says Jerome K. Jerome in. a recent sketch. He dined well, and after dinner rose and addressed the assembled company : ' Well, now, my good friends,' said he, 'if we have — all finished, and if you are all agreeable, I shall' be pleased to present to you my little show.' The servants cheered. The piano was dispensed xfih, and Corney contrived to amuse his audience very well fox half an hour without if. • At' 10 o'clock came down a message. Would /Mr. Corney Grain kindly come up "into the drawing room ? Corney went. The company in the drawing room were waiting, seated. 'We are quite ready, Mr. Grain,' remarked .the hostess. ' Ready for what ?' demanded Corney, courteously. : ' c For your entertainment,' answered-.fhe hostess. 'But I've given it already,' explained Corney, • and my engagement was' for one performance only ' * Given it ? Where? When?' . ' ■ 1 An hour ago, down-stairs.' 1 But this is nonsense^!' exclaimed the hostess. ' It seemed, to me somewhat extraordinary ' Cornov replied, '.but it has always been my privilege to dine with the companv-I am as Ir ed to entertain.- I look it . you had arranged a little treat for the servants '