"He's always at it, sir," said Stemm, pausing for a moment before he alluded to his own wants.
"Why the deuce is he always at it? Why isn't he indited for a nuisance? Who's to do anything with such a noise as that going on for hours together? He has nearly driven me mad."
"It's young Wobble as has the back attic, No. 17, in the Inn," said Stemm.
"They ought to turn him out," said Sir Thomas.
"I rather like it myself," said Stemm. "It suits my disposition, sir." Then he made his little suggestion in regard to his own personal needs, and of course was blown up for not having come in two hours ago to remind Sir Thomas that it was dinner-time. "It's because I wouldn't disturb you when you has the Bacon papers out, Sir Thomas," said Stemm serenely. Sir Thomas winced and shook his head; but such scenes as this were too common to have much effect. "Stemm!" he called aloud, as soon as the old clerk had closed the door; "Stemm!" Whereupon Stemm reappeared. "Stemm, have some one here next week to pack all these books."
"Pack all the books, Sir Thomas!"
"Yes;—to pack all the books. There must be cases. Now, go and get your dinner."
"New cases, Sir Thomas!"
"That will do. Go and get your dinner." And yet his mind was not quite made up.