Quotation from: Secret Adversary

Written by: Agatha Christie

The remark was unpleasant in its suggestion, but Tommy ignored
it. He sat down at the table.

"Retire, varlet," he said, with a wave of his hand. "Prate not to
thy betters."

That evening Tommy sat on the bed, and cogitated deeply. Would
Conrad again accompany the girl? If he did not, should he risk
trying to make an ally of her? He decided that he must leave no
stone unturned. His position was desperate.