The Great Gatsby, last chapter, looking eagerly

Coul'd you please tell me the meaning of "eagerly" in this excerpt from the last chapter of The Great Gatsby?

"Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this or something. Do you notice what he's got about improving his mind? He was always great for that. He told me I et like a hog once and I beat him for it."

He was reluctant to close the book, reading each item aloud and then looking eagerly at me. I think he rather expected me to copy down the list for my own use.

Thank you.