Mrs.Talbot did not wish to see him, and Mr.Talbot did not wish to have her see him.

He knew that Mr.
Belcher, after his business was completed, wanted something besides a quiet dinner with women and children.

His leanings were not toward virtue, but toward safe and half-reputable vice; and exactly what he wanted consistent with his safety as a business man, Mr.Talbot wished to give him.

To nurse his good-will, to make himself useful, and, as far as possible, essential to the proprietor, and to keep him sound and make him last, was Mr.Talbot's study and his most determined ambition.
Mr.Belcher was seated in a huge arm chair, with his back to the door and his feet in another chair, when the second rap came, and Mr.Talbot, with a radiant smile, entered.
"Well, Toll, my boy," said the proprietor, keeping his seat without turning, and extending his left hand.

"How are you?
Glad to see you.
Come round to pay your respects to the Colonel, eh?
How's business, and how's your folks ?" Mr.Talbot was accustomed to this style of greeting from his principal, and, responding heartily to it and the inquiries accompanying it, he took a seat.