I tell you what, Stephen,' he said as they walked along, 'I know the constraint of having your captain in your bosom – all sitting straight, no belching, no filthy stories – so I have ordered up a case of our eighty-seven port. I hope you do not mind it?' 'I mind it very much indeed. Pouring that irreplaceable liquid into my messmates is impious.' 'But they will appreciate the gesture: it will take some of the stiffness away. I cannot tell you how disagreeable it is, feeling like a killjoy whose going will be a relief. You are luckier than I am in that way. They do not look upon you with any respect. That is to say, not with any undue respect. I mean they have an amazing respect for you, of course; but they do not look upon you as a superior being.
( Patrick O'Brian )
[ The Nutmeg of Consolation ]
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