A Mean House

Another hotel story: Feeling somewhat thirsty in the middle of his dinner and not judging that water was sufficient for his needs, a visitor rang the bell and asked the waiter to bring him a bottle of lager.

This was done. “ How much do you charge for this?” enquired the traveller. “Ninepence,” replied the waiter. Anger, consternation, and incredulity were all depicted, by turns, on the visitor’s cheek. “ What !“ he shouted, “ninepence. Why, I could buy a dozen bottles for half-a-crown. It’s downright robbery to ask ninepence for one bottle. You’ve made a mistake.”

“I’ve made no mistake,” said the waiter; “I was told to ask ninepence. But” (at this point he sidled up to the traveller and whispered in his ear) “ it’s a mean house this you’re in, and I’m leaving myself in the morning!“

Return To More Scottish Anecdotes