He had set-to with a will, half hoping to kill his anxiety by dint of heavy bodily exertion.

During the course of the morning he had suddenly become aware of Sir Andrew Ffoulkes and of Lord Anthony Dewhurst working not far away from him, and as fine a pair of coalheavers as any shipper could desire.
It was not very difficult in the midst of the noise and activity that reigned all about the wharf for the three men to exchange a few words together, and Armand soon communicated the chief's new instructions to my Lord Tony, who effectually slipped away from his work some time during the day.

Armand did not even see him go, it had all been so neatly done.
Just before five o'clock in the afternoon the labourers were paid off.
It was then too dark to continue work.

Armand would have liked to talk to Sir Andrew, if only for a moment.

He felt lonely and desperately anxious.