I may shock you, reverend sir, but that is my opinion." "And, as I observe," said Rivers, "that also of some governors of States." He disliked being addressed as "reverend," and knew how Penhallow would smile when captained.
There was a brief silence, what Rivers used to call the punctuation value of the pipe.

The Maryland gentleman was honestly clear in the statement of his political creed, and Rivers felt some need to be amiable and watchful of his own words in what he was longing to say.

John listened, amazed.

He had had his lesson in our history from two competent masters and was now intensely interested as he listened to the ultimate creed of the owner of men.
Grey had at last given up the cigar he had lighted over and over and let go out as often.

He set down his empty glass, and said with perfect courtesy, "I may have been excessive in statement.