[Valentine M’Clutchy, The Irish Agent by William Carleton]@TWC D-Link bookValentine M’Clutchy, The Irish Agent CHAPTER XII 21/21
When he's not opposed, sir, or crossed, he's quiet as a lamb, and wouldn't hurt a child; but, if he's vexed, and won't get his own way, why ten men wouldn't stand him." "Take care that he shall never be admitted here again," said his master; "I really am quite disturbed and nervous by his conduct and language, which are perfectly unintelligible.
Indeed I am absolutely unwell--the shock was awful, and to occur on such a day, too--I fear my appetite will be very much affected by it--a circumstance which would be distressing beyond belief.
Stop--perhaps it is not yet too late--ask Francis is the venison down, and, if not, desire him not to dress it to-day--I am out of appetite, say." John went, and in a couple of minutes returned, "Francis says it's down, sir, for some time," replied the man, "and that it must be dressed to-day, otherwise it will be spoiled." "And this is owing to you, you scoundrel," said his master in a rage, "owing to your neglect and carlessness--but there is no placing dependence upon one of you.
See, you rascal, the position in which I am--here is a delicious haunch of venison for dinner, and now I am so much agitated and out of order that my appetite will be quite gone, and it will be eaten by others before my face, while I cannot touch it.
For a very trifle I would this moment discharge you from my service, and without a character too." "I am very sorry, sir, but the truth--" "Begone, you scoundrel, and leave the room, or I shall use the horse-whip to you." John disappeared, and this great and zealous prop of Protestantism walked to and fro his study, almost gnashing his teeth from the apprehension of not having an appetite for the haunch of venison..
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