Terminology

When the bishop was entertained at an English country house, the butler

coached carefully the new boy who was to carry up the jug of hot water

for shaving in the morning.



"When you knock," the butler explained, "and he asks, 'Who's there?'

then you must say, 'It's the boy, my Lord.'"



The lad, in much nervous trepidation, duly carried up the hot water, but

in answer to the bishop's query as t who was at the door, he announced:



"It's the Lord, my boy!"



The butler overheard and was horrified. He hammered into the youth's

consciousness, the fact that a bishop must be addressed as my lord.

Finally, he was satisfied that the boy understood, and permitted him to

assist in serving the dinner that night. The youngster was sent to the

bishop to offer a plate of cheese. With shaking knees, he presented the

dish to the prelate, and faltered:



"My God, will you have some cheese?"



* * *



The master of the house returned from business somewhat early. He did

not find his wife about, and so called downstairs to the cook:



"Bridget, do you know anything of my wife's whereabouts?"



"No, sor," Bridget answered, "Sure, I know nothin' but I'm thinkin',

sor, it's likely they're in the wash."