I would never have believed him capable of so pleasant an expression but for the evidence of my own eyes.
"Spring lock," he grumbled, a thumb over his shoulder, "opens outside." Whatever resemblance to a soldier he might have previously shown while in uniform was now entirely banished.

Bareheaded, his bald dome of thought shining in the candle-light, his round, solemn face, with big innocent gray eyes gazing at me, an apron about his fat waist, the fellow presented an almost ludicrous appearance.

Somehow my heart warmed to him, especially as I perceived the tray, heavily laden, which he bore easily on one arm, and the towel flung over his shoulder.

And as I stared at him his movements became professional.

Silently, solemnly, his mind strictly upon his duties, he wiped off the table top, and arranged the various dishes thereon with the greatest care, polishing cups and glasses, and finally placing one of the chairs in position.