The nominal Chairman, like many other unpaid officials, held the place because of old family greatness, not from any personal ability--family greatness which was in reality a mere tradition.

The Vice-Chairman was the true centre and spirit of the circle.
A man of vast aptitude for details, he liked county business for its own sake, and understood every technicality.

With little or no personal ambition, he had assisted in every political and social movement in the county for half a century, and knew the secret motives of every individual landowner.

With large wealth, nothing to do, and childless, he took a liking to young Marthorne.

The old man wished for nothing better than to talk; the young squire listened attentively.