Isn't it your business to get the things ready ?" He shifted from one foot to another, and looked as if he wished himself out of my way.

At a later time of my life, I have observed that these are signs by which an honest man is apt to confess that he has told, or is going to tell, a lie.

As it was, I only noticed that he answered confusedly.
"I can't quite say, Mr.Roylake, that my master didn't mention the thing to me." "But you failed to understand him--is that it ?" "Well, sir, if I want to ask him anything I have to write it.

I'm slow at writing, and bad at writing, and he isn't always patient.

However, as you reminded me just now, I have got to get the things ready.