James Stevens

In my philosophy, Mr. Benn, a man cannot call himself well-contented until he has done all he can to be of service to his employer. Of course, this assumes that one's employer is a superior person, not only in rank, or wealth, but in moral stature.

I was too busy serving to listen to the speeches.

You know what I am doing, Miss Kenton? I am placing my thoughts elsewhere while you chatter away.

Miss Kenton, I'm very busy. I am surprised that you have nothing better to do than stand around all day...

Miss Kenton, I would ask you to keep your voice down. What would the other servants think to hear us shouting at the top of our voices about... Chinamen?

I'm sorry sir, but I am unable to be of assistance in this matter.

If two members of staff have to fall in love and decide to get married, there's nothing one can say. But what I do find a major irritation are those persons who are simply going from post to post looking for romance.

You know what I'm doing, Miss Kenton? I'm placing my thoughts elsewhere as you chatter away.

Oh it's not a guilty smile. I'm simply amused by the sheer nonsense you sometimes talk.

Well, you must be right Miss Kenton, you always are.

Miss Kenton, you mean a great deal to this house. You're extremely important to this house. Miss Kenton.

Do you know what I'm doing, Miss Kenton? I'm putting my thoughts elsewhere while you chatter on.

Quite recently, you were kind enough to suggest that I go on a little holiday. That I take a trip around the country.

Well, in the past, the world always used to come to this house, in a manner of speaking, if I may say so, sir.

Yes, I'm sorry sir. The rule of the kitchen here has always been that the cook cooks the cook's breakfast while her assistant toast's the toast.

I regard this room as my private place of work and I - I prefer to keep distractions to a minimum.

I appreciate your kindness, Miss Kenton, but I prefer to keep things as they are.

Each one of you has his own particular duty - or her duty. Polished brass, brilliant silver, mahogany shining like a mirror. That is the welcome we will show these foreign visitors - and let them know that they're in England where order and tradition still prevail.

Miss Kenton, there are many things you and I don't understand in this world of today; whereas, his Lordship, understands fully and has studied the larger issues at stake concerning, say, the nature of the Jewry.

I'd be lost without her - - A first rate housekeeper is essential in a house like this where great affairs are decided, between these walls.

To listen to the gentlemen's conversations, would distract me from my work.

Miss Kenton. I really must ask you, please, not to disturb the few moments I have to myself.