He was uniformly if distantly courteous, and he was respected in his own profession for his uncommon powers and for an utter indifference as to whether he had cases in court or not.
Coming from the judge's chambers after the trial he went to his office, receiving as he passed congratulations more effusively offered than, as people presently found, his manner warranted.
For he was again the formal, masked Charley Steele, looking calmly through the interrogative eye-glass.

By the time he reached his office, greetings became more subdued.

His prestige had increased immensely in a few short hours, but he had no more friends than before.

Old relations were soon re-established.

The town was proud of his ability as it had always been, irritated by his manner as it had always been, more prophetic of his future than it had ever been, and unconsciously grateful for the fact that he had given them a sensation which would outlast the summer.
All these things concerned him little.