The duties of this servant are confined to the entrance-hall, and
the door, where he is continually stationed. He answers every knock
and ring, takes in all messages, parcels, letters, cards, &c. and
immediately hands them to the butler, who conveys them to his master or
mistress.
He trims the great hall and passage lamps, and opens and fastens up the
doors and shutters every morning and night.
The public character of a nobleman or gentleman often depends on this
servant. Rude or contemptuous language, to the meanest applicant,
will frequently prove injurious to the interests of his master, in
ways of which he cannot be a competent judge; and, therefore, his
best qualities are patience and good temper, to which may be added,
secrecy in regard to the affairs, connexions, and intercourse of the
family. A close tongue, and an inflexible countenance, are, therefore,
indispensable, and he should practise the maxim of hearing and seeing
all, but saying nothing. It is recorded of the porter of a minister of
state, who died in the morning, that, on being asked in the afternoon
if the fact were true, he replied that really he could not tell, but if
the party would give him his card, he would make enquiry, and let him
know. This was a well-trained porter, and such should be the system of
all porters.
Wages from 24_l._ to 30_l._ per annum.