midnight
I beg your pardon , sir , '' said he , on looking at the receipt which Val , as he spoke , had handed to him ; `` this is n't signed -- your name 's not to it . '' `` Show , '' said Val ; `` upon my life it is not . You are right , Maguire ; but the truth is , M'Slime , that while speaking on any subject that affects Lord Cumber 's interests , I am scarcely conscious of doing anything else . Now , sir , '' he proceeded , addressing Maguire , with a brow like midnight ; `` there is your receipt -- bring it home -- show it to your family -- and tell them it is the last of the kind you will ever receive on the property of Lord Cumber . I shall let you know , sir , that I am somewhat stronger than you are . '' `` That 's all to be proved yet , sir , '' said the sturdy farmer : `` you know the proverb , sir -- ` man proposes , but God disposes . ' '' `` What do you mean , sirra ?