Just at present his critical defection from the Council made him a very important person indeed.
His manner contrasted very favourably, according to Graham's ideas, with the general bearing.

He offered a few commonplace remarks, assurances of loyalty and frank inquiries about the Master's health.

His manner was breezy, his accent lacked the easy staccato of latter-day English.

He made it admirably clear to Graham that he was a bluff "aerial dog"-- he used that phrase--that there was no nonsense about him, that he was a thoroughly manly fellow and old-fashioned at that, that he didn't profess to know much, and that what he did not know was not worth knowing.

He made a curt bow, ostentatiously free from obsequiousness, and passed.
"I am glad to see that type endures," said Graham.
"Phonographs and kinematographs," said Lincoln, a little spitefully.