A Violent Partner
A gentleman well-known for the violence of his temper had occasion to escort a lady down to dinner one evening. Unfortunately the lady was extremely deaf, of which fact her partner was unaware.
After they were seated, the gentleman addressed the lady, “Madam, may I have the honour to help you to some fish?” But he got no reply; after a pause but still in the most courteous accents, “Madam, have I your permission to send you some fish?” Then a little quicker, “Are you inclined to take fish?” Very quick, and rather peremptory, “Madam, do you choose fish?” At last the storm burst, and to everybody’s consternation, with a loud thump on the table and stamp on the floor, “D—— you, will you have any fish!”