“Very well, sir, I know how many banes makes five at any rate—let me alone.”
“What do you mean, you varlet,” said his master, “by that impudent wink?”
“Wink?” replied Dandy, with a face of admirable composure. “Oh, you observed it, then? Sure, God help me, it's a wakeness I have in one of my eyes ever since I had the small-pock.”
“And pray which eye is it in?” asked his master.
“In the left, your honor.”
“But, you scoundrel, you winked at me with the right.”
“Troth, sir, maybe I did, for it sometimes passes from the one to the other wid me—but not often indeed—it's principally in my left.”
“Very well; but in speaking to me, use no such grimaces in future; and now go see your cousin. I shall sleep for a few hours, for I feel somewhat jaded, paid out of order on many accounts. But before you go, listen to me, and mark me well. You saw me in conversation with Miss Gourlay?”
Dandy, whose perception was quick as lightning, had his finger on his lips immediately. “I understand you, sir,” said he; “and once for all, sir,” he proceeded, “do you listen to me. You may lay it down as one of the ten commandments, that any secret you may plaise to trust me with, will be undher a tombstone. I'm not the stuff that a traitor or villain is made of. So, once for fill, your honor, make your mind aisy on that point.”
“It will be your own interest to prove faithful,” said his master. “Here is a month's wages for you in advance.”