To be the object of his clumsy badinage, when visitors were present and his master was particularly amiable, was equivalent to an honorable public notice.

He took Mr.Belcher's cast-off clothes, and had them reduced in their dimensions for his own wearing, and was thus always able to be nearly as well dressed and foppish as the man for whom they were originally made.

He was as insolent to others as he was obsequious to his master--a flunky by nature and long education.
Phipps appeared.
"Well, Phipps, what are you here for ?" inquired Mr.Belcher.
"I was told you wanted me, sir," looking doubtfully with his cunning eyes into Mr.Belcher's face, as if questioning his mood.
"How is your health?
You look feeble.

Overwhelmed by your tremendous duties?
Been sitting up late along back?
Eh?
You rascal! Who's the happy woman ?" Phipps laughed, and twiddled his fingers.
"You're a precious fellow, and I've got to get rid of you.

You are altogether too many for me.