quaint wig by a pair of moist bright eyes that it must…
““quaint wig by a pair of moist bright eyes that it must have cost their owner, in years gone by, some pains to drill to the composed and reserved expression of Tellson's Bank. He had a healthy colour in his cheeks, and his face, though lined, bore few traces of anxiety. But, perhaps the confidential bachelor clerks in Tellson's Bank were principally occupied with the cares of other people; and perhaps second-hand cares, like second-hand clothes, come easily off and on. Completing his resemblance to a man who was sitting for his portrait, Mr. Lorry dropped off to sleep. The arrival of his breakfast roused him, and he said to the drawer, as he moved his chair to it: "I wish accommodation prepared for a young lady who may come here at any time to-day. She may ask for Mr. Jarvis Lorry, or she may only ask for a gentleman from Tellson's Bank. Please to let me know." "Yes, sir. Tellson's Bank in London, sir?" "Yes." "Yes, sir. We have oftentimes the honour to entertain your gentlemen in their travelling backwards””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A description of a weary clerk’s outward calm masking inner anxieties, highlighting how personal burdens are often hidden behind professional facades.
In simple terms: People hide their worries behind a calm exterior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address hidden stress.
Themes
appearance
anxiety
professionalism
facade
Mood
reflective
empathetic
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- office work
- customer service
- personal reflection
- mental health awareness
Key Concepts
psychology
social expectation
self‑presentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you notice when someone is masking anxiety?
- What steps can you take to support a colleague’s hidden stress?
A Different Perspective
The narrative may romanticize stoicism, overlooking the need for open emotional support.