Sniff and silence.
“Did I understand you to say that you ain’t going to be a blooming servant, young Bealby?”
“Yes,” said young Bealby.
“Thomas,” said Mr. Mergleson, “just smack ’is ’ed. Smack it rather ’ard....”
Things too rapid to relate occurred. “So you’d bite, would you?” said Thomas....
“Ah!” said Mr. Mergleson. “Got ’im! That one!” ...
“Just smack ’is ’ed once more,” said Mr. Mergleson....
“And now you just stand there, young man, until I’m at libbuty to attend to you further,” said Mr. Mergleson, and finished his tea slowly and eloquently....
The second footman rubbed his shin thoughtfully.
“If I got to smack ’is ’ed much,” he said, “’e’d better change into his slippers.”