He was a fellow of evident great strength and stout muscle, and his hands, which he had clasped in front of him as he sat talking to me, were big enough to go round another man's throat, or to fell a bullock.

And as for the rest of his appearance, he had gold rings in his ears, and he wore a great, heavy gold chain across his waistcoat, and was dressed in a new suit of blue serge, somewhat large for him, that he had evidently purchased at a ready-made-clothing shop, not so long before.
My mother came quietly in upon us before I could reply to the stranger's last remark, and I saw at once that he was a man of some politeness and manners, for he got himself up out of his chair and made her a sort of bow, in an old-fashioned way.

And without waiting for me, he let his tongue loose on her.
"Servant, ma'am," said he.

"You'll be the lady of the house--Mrs.
Moneylaws.

I'm seeking lodgings, Mrs.Moneylaws, and seeing your paper at the door-light, and your son's face at the window, I came in.