A donkey-driver, I find, plays the same accommodating role as the family watch-dog.

You pat him when you choose; you kick him when you choose; and he is supposed to swallow both attentions with equal grace.' 'You should have chosen another profession.' 'Naturally, I was not flattered to find that your real reason for staying at home to-day, was that you were expecting more entertaining callers.' 'Is there any use in discussing it further?
I am not going to climb any more mountains, and I shall not, as I told you, need a donkey-man again.' 'Then I'm discharged ?' 'If you wish to put it so.

You must see for yourself that the play has gone far enough.

However, it has been amusing, and we will at least part friends.' She held out her hand; it was a mark of definite dismissal rather than a token of friendly forgiveness.
Tony bowed over her hand in perfect mimicry of the lieutenant's manner.
'Signorina, _addio_!' He gravely raised it to his lips.
She snatched her hand away quickly and without glancing at him turned toward the house.

He let her cross half the terrace, then he called softly-- 'Signorina!' She kept on without pausing.