He had to be alert to keep up with Jack Meredith--to understand his speech; and he rather liked the necessity, which was a change after the tropic indolence in which he had moved.
"Swearing, you mean," he replied.

"Hope you don't mind it ?" "Not a bit.

Do it myself." At this moment Joseph, the servant, brought coffee served up in tin cups.
"First-class dinner," said Durnovo.

"The best dinner I have had for years.

Clever chap, your man!" The last remark was made as much for the servant's edification as for the master's, and it was accompanied by an inviting smile directed towards Joseph.