A lord was entertaining some guests at his country estate and they
were playing cricket. The lord was
batting and his chief footman was the umpire. A guest bowled and plainly
caught the lord l.b.w.
They appealed to the footman, who said, 'Lord Melford ; is not at home.'
'What?' said the lord.
'Well, your lordship,' said the footman, 'to speak plainly you're out!'