of domestics and dependents, and that is the method of Gallio, who
was a great man.

Besides the general responsibilities of his position as C.-in-C., the
Butler has certain specific duties, such as to stand with arms folded
behind you at meal time, to clean the silver, and to go to the bazaar
in the morning. The last seems to be quite as much a prerogative as
a duty, and the cook wants to go to law about it, regarding the
Butler as an unlawful usurper. He asserts his claim by spoiling the
meat which the Butler brings. Of course, there must be some reason
why this duty, or privilege, is so highly valued, and no doubt that
reason is connected with the great Oriental principle, that of
everything a man handles or controls, somewhat should adhere to his
palm; but if you ask how this principle is applied or worked out, I
can only reply that that is a matter on which I believe not one of us
has any information, though for the most part we hold very emphatic
opinions on the subject. I am quite certain that it may be laid down
for a general rule that the Butler prefers indirect to direct
taxation. He certainly would not reduce salt and customs duties to
pave the way for an income tax. Neither would a Viceroy, perhaps, if
he had to stay and reap the fruit of his works, instead of leaving
that to his successor--but that is political reflection which has no
business here. The Butler, I say, wisely prefers indirect taxation
and prospers. How, then, are you to checkmate him? Don't! A wise
man never attempts what cannot be accomplished. I work on the
assumption that my Butler is, like Brutus, an honourable man,
treating him with consideration, and fostering his self-respect, even
at the cost, perhaps, of a little hypocrisy. It is a gracious form
of hypocrisy, and one that often justifies itself in the end, for the
man tends to become what you assume that he is. For myself, I