By nature there was no cruelty in him.

He never exceeded in peremptoriness, nor in petting.

He did not overbid for Michael's friendliness.

He did bid, but in a manner that conveyed no sense of bidding.

Scarcely had he given Michael that introductory jowl-shake, when he released him and apparently forgot all about him.
He proceeded to light his pipe, using several matches as if the wind blew them out.