Since he was a babe on his mother's knee sixty years before Mr.Wilks had never had such an attentive and admiring listener.

Hardy sat as though glued to his chair, one eye on Mr.Wilks and the other on the clock, and it was not until that ancient timepiece struck the hour that the ex-steward suddenly realized the awkward state of affairs.
"Any more 'elp I can give you I shall always be pleased to," he said, looking at the clock.
Hardy thanked him at great length, wondering, as he spoke, whether Miss Nugent was of punctual habits.

He leaned back in his chair and, folding his arms, gazed thoughtfully at the perturbed Mr.Wilks.
"You must come round and smoke a pipe with me sometimes," he said, casually.
Mr.Wilks flushed with gratified pride.

He had a vision of himself walking up to the front door of the Hardys, smoking a pipe in a well-appointed room, and telling an incredulous and envious Fullalove Alley about it afterwards.
"I shall be very pleased, sir," he said, impressively.
"Come round on Tuesday," said his visitor.

"I shall be at home then." Mr.Wilks thanked him and, spurred on to hospitality, murmured something about a glass of ale, and retired to the back to draw it.