Banffy’s trilogy of novels on the slow but certain self-destruction of the 19th century Hungarian aristocracy includes the figure of the patient, obsequious lawyer who bides his time until aristocratic assets drop into his lap at bargain rates.

All while maintaining an appearance of impeccable deference. See a similar description of glinting, greedy eyes.

‘And what brings you this way, my Lord?’ he asked slyly, little shoe-button eyes glistening with mockery.

Source: Miklos Banffy, They Were Found Wanting, trans. Patrick Thursfield and Katalin Banffy-Jelen (London: Arcadia Books, 2011 (1937)), p. 233