There was possibly some jealousy here that would manifest itself later; but that was not Dan's affair.

Bassett was beyond doubt able to take care of himself in emergencies; Dan's admiration for his patron was strongly intrenched in this belief.

The bulkier Thatcher, with the marks of self-indulgence upon him, and with his bright waistcoat and flashy necktie transcending the bounds of good taste, struck him as a weaker character.

If Thatcher meditated a break with Bassett, the sturdier qualities, the even, hard strokes that Bassett had a reputation for delivering, would count heavily against him.
"I'm glad you get on so well with the boy," Thatcher was saying.

"I don't mind telling you that his upbringing has been a little unfortunate--too much damned Europe.