professionalism

It occurs to me, furthermore, that bantering is hardly an unreasonable duty for an employer to expect a professional to perform. I have of course already devoted much time to developing my bantering skills, but it is possible I have never previously approached the task with the commitment I might have done. Perhaps, then, when I return to Darlington Hall tomorrow --- Mr Farraday will not himself be back for a further week --- I will begin practicing with renewed effort. I should hope, then, that by the time of my employer's return, I shall be in a position to pleasantly surprise him (p.258)　　
（Source of Quotation）Kazuo Ishiguro, "The Remains of the Day"

The Remains of the Day (Vintage International)