Where were all the old days now? Who would admire or value me, a poor, commonplace silver drudge, now that this grand, showy rival had come and taken my place? In my anger and excitement my heart beat fast and loud, so loud that presently I heard a voice beside me saying,—
“Gently, there, if you please; no one can hear himself speak with that noise.”
“I’ve more right to be here than you,” I growled.
“That is as our mutual master decides; but surely I have heard your voice before! Let me look at you.”
And he edged himself up, so as to get a peep at my shabby face.
“To be sure—my young friend the three-guinea silver watch? How do you do, my little man?”
This patronage was intolerable, and I had no words to reply.
“Ah! you find it difficult to converse. You must indeed be almost worn out after the work you have had. I am indeed astonished to see you alive at all. I am sure, in my master’s name, I may be allowed to thank you for your praiseworthy exertions in his service. We are both much obliged to you, and hope we shall show ourselves not unmindful of your—”
“Brute!” was all I could shriek, so mad was I, Whether my rival would have pursued his discourse I cannot say, but at that instant a hand came fumbling under the pillow. It passed me by, and sought the repeater, and next moment the tinkling chimes sounded half-past eleven.
It was as much as I could endure to be thus slighted and triumphed over.