Lord Loudwater was, as often happened, uncommonly captious about the letters.

He had not recovered from the shock the inconsiderate Melchisidec had given his nerves.

The instructions he gave were somewhat muddled; and when Mr.Manley tried to get them clearer, his employer swore at him for an idiot.

Mr.Manley persisted firmly through much abuse till he did get them clear.

He had come to consider his employer's furies an unfortunate weakness which had to be endured by the holder of the post he found so advantageous.