He wanted to stand near her and make her lay her hand in his--he wanted to find out what her next step would be--what the next sign of feeling for him would be.

Such anxiety and enthusiasm had not affected him for years.

He was a youth again in feeling--a cavalier in action.
In his position opportunity for taking his evenings out was excellent.
He was a most faithful worker in general, and a man who commanded the confidence of his employers in so far as the distribution of his time was concerned.

He could take such hours off as he chose, for it was well known that he fulfilled his managerial duties successfully, whatever time he might take.

His grace, tact, and ornate appearance gave the place an air which was most essential, while at the same time his long experience made him a most excellent judge of its stock necessities.
Bartenders and assistants might come and go, singly or in groups, but, so long as he was present, the host of old-time customers would barely notice the change.