His eccentricities had not alarmed them, and his shamelessness had not abashed them.

Though his constitution was said to be breaking up through unparalleled excesses, his heart, it was currently reported in domestic circles, was sound: and what a noble feat would it be to reclaim him! It was also reckoned impossible that any amount of extravagance could have seriously embarrassed such a property as he had inherited, indeed long since, but of which he had had the sole control only a few years.

At the time of which we speak Carew was but thirty-five, though he looked much older.

His muscles were still firm, his limbs yet active, and his hand and eye as steady with the gun or bridle as ever.

But his bronzed face showed signs of habitual intemperance; his head was growing prematurely bald; and once or twice, though the fact was known to himself only, his iron nerve had of late failed him.