Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

Why? Why, Mr. Stevens, why do you always have to hide what you feel?

Mister Stevens! Am I to take it that after all the years I have been in this house you have nothing else to say to me?

People always cheer when they turn the lights on in the evening. Every time.

They do say, that for a great many people the evening's the best part of the day. The part they most look forward to.

You don't like having pretty girls on the staff, I've noticed.

Might it be that our Mr Stevens fears distraction? Can it be that our Mr Stevens is flesh and blood after all and doesn't trust himself?

…then why is that guilty smile still on your face?

It *is* a guilty smile. You can hardly bear to look at her. That's why you didn't want to take her on, she's too pretty.

I am a coward. I'm frightened of leaving and that's the truth. All I see out in the world is loneliness and it frightens me. That's all my high principals are worth, Mr. Stevens. I'm ashamed of myself.

I so often think of the good old days when I was the housekeeper at Darlington Hall. It was certainly hard work and I've certainly known butlers easier to please than our Mr. Stevens; but, I remember those years as among the happiest of my life.

I don't know what my future is. Ever since Katherine, my daughter, got married last year, my life has been empty. The years stretch before me and if only I knew how to fill them. But, I would like to be useful again.

There are times when I think what a terrible mistake I've made with my life.

What's in that book? Come on, let me see. Or, are you protecting me? Is that what you're doing? Would I be shocked? Would it ruin my character. Let me see it.

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.