Then, when he had finished, he rang his bell, and ordered some sherry and soda-water, and stretched himself before the fire,--as though his exertions in the public service had been very great,--and seated himself comfortably in his arm-chair, and lit a cigar, and again took out Lady Julia's letter.
As regarded the cigar, it may be said that both Sir Raffle and Mr.
Kissing had given orders that on no account should cigars be lit within the precincts of the Income-tax Office.

Mr.Eames had taken upon himself to understand that such orders did not apply to a private secretary, and was well aware that Sir Raffle knew his habit.

To Mr.Kissing, I regret to say, he put himself in opposition whenever and wherever opposition was possible; so that men in the office said that one of the two must go at last.

"But Johnny can do anything, you know, because he has got money." That was too frequently the opinion finally expressed among the men.
So John Eames sat down, and drank his soda-water, and smoked his cigar, and read his letter; or rather, simply that paragraph of the letter which referred to Miss Dale.

"The tidings of her death have disturbed her, and set her thinking again of things that were fading from her mind." He understood it all.