He was, as a matter of fact, intensely interested.

Only a few weeks ago, his late employer had spent nearly every moment of his time, when his services were not urgently required at the office, at the Golden Lion, and he had been seen on more than one occasion at the theatre and elsewhere with one or another of the golden-haired ladies behind the bar.

Mr.Waddington--fortunately, perhaps, considering his present predicament!--was a bachelor.
The restaurant, if small, was an excellent one, and Mr.Waddington, who seemed already to be treated with the consideration of a regular customer, ordered a luncheon which, simple though it was, inspired his companion with respect.

The waiter withdrew and the auctioneer and his quondam clerk sat and looked at one another.

Their eyes were full of questions.