asked to wait at table, whether or not guests are present."

 

"I have waited at table every day for the last fifty-four years," my father

remarked, his voice perfectly unhurried.

 

"Furthermore, it has been decided that Father should not carry laden trays of

any sort for even the shortest distances. In view of these limitations, and

knowing Father's esteem for conciseness, I have listed here the revised round of

duties he will from now on be expected to perform."

 

I felt disinclined actually to hand to him the piece of paper I was holding, and

so put it down on the end of his bed. My father glanced at it then returned his

gaze to me. There was still no trace of emotion discernible in his expression,

and his hands on the back of the chair appeared perfectly relaxed. Hunched over

or not, it was impossible not to be reminded of the sheer impact of his physical

presence - the very same that had once reduced two drunken gentlemen to sobriety

in the back of a car. Eventually, he said:

 

"I only fell that time because of those steps.

 

They're crooked. Seamus should be told to put those right before someone else

does the same thing."

 

"Indeed. In any case, may I be assured Father will study that sheet?"