As soon as he came into his situation, he first began quietly to arrange the papers, and next the business of which they were the outer sign, into more methodical order than they had been in since old Mr.Wilkins's death.

Punctual to a moment himself, he looked his displeased surprise when the inferior clerks came tumbling in half an hour after the time in the morning; and his look was more effective than many men's words; henceforward the subordinates were within five minutes of the appointed hour for opening the office; but still he was always there before them.
Mr.Wilkins himself winced under his new clerk's order and punctuality; Mr.Dunster's raised eyebrow and contraction of the lips at some woeful confusion in the business of the office, chafed Mr.Wilkins more, far more than any open expression of opinion would have done; for that he could have met, and explained away as he fancied.

A secret respectful dislike grew up in his bosom against Mr.Dunster.

He esteemed him, he valued him, and he could not bear him.

Year after year Mr.Wilkins had become more under the influence of his feelings, and less under the command of his reason.