His thoughts seemed to be not of the pleasantest.

The lines about his mouth had deepened during the last few months.

He looked older.
The telephone bell rang sharply.

Mr.Atkins came out of his reverie with a start, arose and walked across the room to the wall where the instrument hung.

It was before the days of the convenient desk 'phone.
He took the receiver from its hook and spoke into the transmitter.
"Hello!" he said.