The bedroom became the General's headquarters, and there his staff gathered around him.

Half a dozen cabs and carriages at his door in the morning became a daily recurring vision to residents and habitual passengers.
Mr.Talbot, not a regular visitor at this hour, sometimes mingled with the brokers, though he usually came late for the purpose of a private interview.

He had managed to retain the General's favor, and to be of such use to him that that gentleman, in his remarkable prosperity, had given up the idea of reducing his factor's profits.
One morning, after the brokers and the General's lawyer were gone, Talbot entered, and found his principal still in bed.
"Toll, it's a big thing," said Mr.Belcher.
"I believe you." "Toll, what did I tell you?
I've always worked to a programme, and exactly this was my programme when I came here.

How's your wife ?" "Quite well." "Why don't we see more of her ?" "Well, Mrs.Talbot is a quiet woman, and knows her place.

She isn't quite at home in such splendors as yours, you know, and she naturally recognizes my relations to you." "Oh, nonsense, nonsense, Toll! She mustn't feel that way.