Before the week was out, a masonic lodge had bought the throne, a seaside resort the big Chinese lantern, and two of the four Spanish chairs had found a home in a millionaire's library.
Moreover--and this was all the more remarkable in view of his early training--a certain deference became apparent in the Dutchman's manner not only toward Felix but toward his customers.

He no longer received them in his shirt-sleeves.

He bought some new clothes and sported a collar, necktie, and hat, duplicating those worn by Felix as near as his memory served.
Still more remarkable were the changes wrought among the neighbors in their attitude toward O'Day.

Until then they had, in their independent fashion, treated him like any of the other men who came in and out their several stores, pleased with his interest in the business, but quickly forgetting him as they became reabsorbed in the affairs of the day.

Now, as they told him what a good time they had had on the birthday, they raised their hats.