That seems slightly counter-productive
Of course, Sir. [The lighter appeared so quickly in his hand that the actual reaching-into-the-pocket motion was almost nonexistent. Dennis had become very good at serving people. He didn’t quite know if he liked that, but whoever was ordering him around tended to appreciate it. A few steps and he was standing before the man, a few moments more and the cigar’s end was bright. He paused and studied the passenger before him: wealthy, commanding, and with an apparent, distinct disregard for optimism. And with an arrogant attractiveness that had Dennis wishing that he worked (and he would have taken any position, even scullery maid and he wasn’t sure that was even an actual job) for whoever this was, but it was better to not go down that road. He cleared his throat.]
Is there anything else I can do for you, Sir?
[Interesting. Earnestness was always a good quality to have (not that Winthrop possessed any much of it himself), and the boy seemed to have it in spades. And Winthrop always had need of good servants; "Good help is so hard to find these days" was a line he had practically invented.]
What's your name, boy? [Perhaps an investment in something other than a hand of cards was in order.]
