midday
When the Otterford branch of the Fire Brigade was instituted all agreed in inviting Mr. Dale to be its captain ; and four of the once sluggish yard-servants had immediately decided that they must follow their master wherever he led , and had enrolled themselves forthwith under his captaincy . He was a prominent figure at the Old Manninglea corn market , known by sight in its streets , and had recently been chosen as a member of its very select tradesmen 's club . This was an affair truly different from that vulgar boozing circle at the Gauntlet Inn which he had denounced so contemptuously in old days . The Manninglea Club was solid and respectable , a pleasant meeting-place where he could take his midday meal after market business in company with men of substance and repute . He was on friendly terms with most of the farmers between the down country and Rodhaven Harbor ; and last , but not least , the gentry all passed the time of day when they met him , and many would stop him on the high-roads for a chat in the most polite and jolly fashion . He confessed to Mavis that the sweetest thing in his success was the feeling of being no longer disliked . `` Oh , Will , you never were disliked . ''