Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 93, December 31, 1887

A lively Victorian farce opens with James Robins, a clever but morally ambiguous butler whose private life is as tangled as the household he serves. Secretly married to his mistress’s sister, he also looks after his brother’s child while his own family becomes entangled in a scandal involving a stolen ruby bracelet—dubbed the “heart of hearts.” The ensuing confusion pits the earnest Miss Lucy Robins against a scheming Miss Latimer, setting the stage for witty misunderstandings and rapid‑fire dialogue.

The play thrives on its sharp repartee and the charismatic performance of the actor portraying James, who infuses every mishap with a dry, self‑deprecating humor. Supporting characters—such as the earnest detective March and the flamboyant Lady Clarissa—add layers of comic intrigue, while the bustling London setting provides a vivid backdrop. Listeners will be drawn into a world of clever deceptions, playful banter, and the ever‑present question of whether a butler can ever truly escape his own schemes.