‘What the devil is the meaning of all this?’ demanded Otho, loosing the door-handle, but holding the whip faster, and turning upon Roger with a black look of anger. Roger, eyeing him fixedly, thought within himself—
‘How did I ever bear with him for this length of time, the brute!’
But he answered civilly and tranquilly—
‘That is scarcely the way in which to speak to me. I say that I wish to leave your employment this day three months. Isn’t that simple enough?’
‘I’ll be hanged if it is!’ said Otho, savagely. ‘It’s usual to give a reason when you leave a place,—and I want to know yours.’
‘I would advise you not to ask for it,’ was Roger’s answer, his face growing paler, his lips tighter, his eyes more dangerous, as his anger grew hotter within him.
‘What! may a man not ask his servant’s reasons for leaving him?’ began Otho. ‘It’s the first time I ever——’
‘Don’t be a fool, Otho!’ here observed Gilbert. ‘Roger Camm has as good a right to give you three months’ notice as anybody else; and he’s in the right of it, when he says you had better not ask his reasons. Of course you’ll want a written notice, and of course you’ll get one. So come away.’
‘I say,’ observed Otho, suddenly changing his angry demeanour into one of facetiousness, and with an impudent smile, ‘perhaps you disapprove of my attentions to a certain young lady, last night; but I can tell you——’
‘If you mention her name, I’ll give you the hiding you deserve!’ thundered Roger, springing up, and walking very close up to Otho, whose laugh now changed to a look of furious anger.