Although he looked older than his age, he was still, personally speaking, an attractive man.

In repose, his eyes were by habit sad and a little weary in their expression.

They only caught a brighter light when he smiled.

At such times, helped by this change and by his simple, earnest manner, they recommended him to his fellow-creatures before he opened his lips.

Men and women taking shelter with him, for instance, from the rain, found the temptation to talk with Captain Bennydeck irresistible; and, when the weather cleared, they mostly carried away with them the same favorable impression: "One would like to meet with that gentleman again." Randal's first words of welcome relieved the Captain of certain modest doubts of his reception, which appeared to trouble him when he entered the room.