As it was, he received and gave, irritated sometimes by the little displays of selfish indifference, pleased at times by some show of finery which supposedly made for dignity and social distinction.
The life of the resort which he managed was his life.

There he spent most of his time.

When he went home evenings the house looked nice.

With rare exceptions the meals were acceptable, being the kind that an ordinary servant can arrange.

In part, he was interested in the talk of his son and daughter, who always looked well.