"But what did you expect?"
"As much as it was in your power to confer. You would not have forgotten the man who gave you help when you needed it. You might have made me your secretary—your agent—your amanuensis. You would have invented some post for me to fill—you would, at least, have rescued me from a life of drudgery. But now, I am forced back again upon my pitiful calling—teaching at schools, soliciting pupils, and starving as a teacher!"
"I see no necessity. Have I dismissed you?"
"I dismiss myself!" he cried, standing up and striking his chest with his fist.
I was impressed by his vehemence; at once pained and made curious by his manner.
"At all events," I said, "if you go, you go of your own accord."
"Of course," he replied sarcastically.
"But at the same time you will allow me to say that I think you foolish for exhibiting so much impatience."
"Impatience!" he exclaimed, with a sharp laugh. "Oh, no! I am not impatient. But, Sir, it is not pleasant to be given to drink of a wine that is dashed from your lips after you have tasted enough to like its sweetness."
"But, my dear fellow, nobody has dashed the wine away, that I can see."