With the exception of his legs, he was a heavily built man, with a large head, an ample brow, a hairless face, very red, with large cheeks, and an under jaw like a lion.

His eyes were small, but wonderfully bright and intelligent.

He looked so portentously solemn, that when you learnt that he was perfectly well in mind, body and estate, the inclination to laugh was irresistible.

This remarkable man began to speak in a husky, asthmatical voice, that gradually came out of the clouds and grew clear.

His subject was, 'The Abstention of our Young Men from Politics: Causes and Cure.' He was evidently a master of his subject, and spoke without notes.