As a matter of fact, he really was exceedingly anxious not to lose his place.
"I understood from Mr.Jarvis that you wished to speak to me, sir," he remarked.

"I hope that my work has given satisfaction?
I know that I am quite inexperienced but I don't think that I have made any mistakes." Mr.Weatherley was, to tell the truth, thankful for the opening.
"I have had no complaints, Chetwode," he admitted, struggling for that note of condescension which he felt to be in order.

"No complaints at all.

I was wondering if you--you happened to play bridge ?" Once more this extraordinary young man showed himself to be possessed of gifts quite unusual at his age.

Not by the flicker of an eyelid did he show the least surprise or amusement.
"Bridge, sir," he repeated.