He waited patiently in the background while the returned voyager dealt with the reporters, appearing abruptly at Braden's elbow as he was giving his keys to the inspector.
"Good morning, sir," said Wade, in what must be recorded as a confidential tone.

He might have been repeating the salutation of yesterday morning for all that his manner betrayed.
"Hello, Wade! Glad to see you." Braden shook hands with the man.

"How is my grandfather ?" "Better, sir," said the other, meaning that his master was more comfortable than he had been during the night.
Wade was not as much of an optimist as his reply would seem to indicate.
It was his habit to hold bad news in reserve as long as possible, doubtless for the satisfaction it gave him to dribble it out sparingly.

He had found it to his advantage to break all sorts of news hesitatingly to his master, for he was never by way of knowing what Mr.Thorpe would regard as bad news.

For example, early in his career as valet, he had rushed into Mr.Thorpe's presence with what he had every reason to believe would be good news.