"Coffee, William!" I said, sharply.

I sipped my coffee indignantly, for it was plain to me that William had
something on his mind.

"You are not vexed with me, sir?" he had the hardihood to whisper.

"It was a liberty," I said.

"I know, sir; but I was beside myself."

"That was a liberty also."

He hesitated, and then blurted out:

"It is my wife, sir. She--"

I stopped him with my hand. William, whom I had favoured in so many
ways, was a married man! I might have guessed as much years before had I
ever reflected about waiters, for I knew vaguely that his class did
this sort of thing. His confession was distasteful to me, and I said
warningly:

"Remember where you are, William."

"Yes, sir; but you see, she is so delicate--"

"Delicate! I forbid your speaking to me on unpleasant topics."

"Yes, sir; begging your pardon."