Turning the Tables
'Young Person' (Applicant For Housemaid's 'Situation'). 'May I Ask You, Sir, if You Keep a Boy?'
Old Gent. 'a Boy! No. Why?'
Young Person. 'Oh, to Clean Boots and Knives, Carry Up Coals and –'
Old Gent. 'Ah, May I Ask – Can You Play the Piano?'
Young Person (Dubiously). 'N-No, Sir –'
Old Gent. 'Ah, Then, I'm Afraid You Won't – that Is, We Shall Not Suit You. I and My Wife Always Carry Up the Coals And, and Wash the Dishes, and All That Sort of Thing. All We Want Is Someone to Play the Piano!'
Charles Keene (1823-1891)
DATED 'JUNE 1877' BELOW MOUNT PEN AND INK 4 1/2 X 7 INCHES ILLUSTRATED: PUNCH, 23 JUNE 1877, PAGE 279 EXHIBITED: THE ILLUSTRATORS THE BRITISH ART OF ILLUSTRATION 1870-2010, NO 60