“Yes—yes, Sir Murray,” said Gurdon, with a cough behind his hand.
“It is the last time, then. But for your being an old servant, and son of an old tenant of my late father, I should discharge you at once!”
“Oh, for Heaven’s sake, don’t, Sir Murray,” said the man piteously. “It shall never occur again; it shan’t, indeed!”
“You had been drinking again, last night!”
“Only the least drop, Sir Murray—the least drop. I was a little out of order yesterday.”
“And you were not fit to come before her ladyship, in the drawing-room?”
“Perhaps not quite, Sir Murray—not quite; but—but—”
“And mind this is the last time. No servant of mine shall be a disgrace to my establishment.”
“I humbly beg your pardon, Sir Murray, I do, indeed; and it shall never occur again, it shan’t, indeed. I know your ways, Sir Murray, and I should die, if you was to turn me off. Please look over it this once.”
“I have looked over it, Gurdon, or I should have given you your wages when you entered the room. Now go and ask her ladyship if she can see me for a few minutes.”