To say that his object was ever to raise a laugh would be most untrue.

He hated such common and unnecessary evidence of satisfaction on the part of his hearers.

A joke that required to be laughed at was, with him, not worth uttering.

He could appreciate by a keener sense than that of his ears the success of his wit, and would see in the eyes of his auditors whether or no he was understood and appreciated.
He had been a religious lad before he left school.

That is, he had addicted himself to a party in religion, and having done so had received that benefit which most men do who become partisans in such a cause.