The simpleton pesters me beyond endurance.

I wish to know, if you please,' he added with savage calm, 'when dinner will be ready.

If there's time to write a few letters, just tell me at once, that I mayn't waste half an hour.' Marian resented this unreasonable anger, but she durst not reply.
At that moment the servant appeared with a smoking joint, and Mrs Yule followed carrying dishes of vegetables.

The man of letters seated himself and carved angrily.

He began his meal by drinking half a glass of ale; then he ate a few mouthfuls in a quick, hungry way, his head bent closely over the plate.