Also the baronet, whose ancestors were all honourable men and stainless women, found it hard to overlook a certain royal bar-sinister, which had originated the Luxmore earldom, together with a few other blots which had tarnished that scutcheon since.

So folk said; but probably Sir Ralph's high principle was at least as strong as his pride, and that the real cause of his dislike was founded on the too well-known character of the Earl of Luxmore.
They ceased talking; the sheriff rose, and briefly stated that Richard Brithwood, Esquire, of the Mythe, would nominate a candidate.
The candidate was Gerard Vermilye, Esquire; at the mention of whose name one Norton Bury man broke into a horse-laugh, which was quenched by his immediate ejection from the meeting.
Then, Mr.Thomas Brown, steward of the Earl of Luxmore, seconded the nomination.
After a few words between the sheriff, his son, and Lord Luxmore, the result of which seemed rather unsatisfactory than otherwise, Sir Ralph Oldtower again rose.
"Gentlemen and electors, there being no other candidate proposed, nothing is left me but to declare Gerard Vermilye, Esquire--" John Halifax made his way to the table.

"Sir Ralph, pardon my interruption, but may I speak a few words ?" Mr.Brithwood started up with an angry oath.
"My good sir," said the baronet, with a look of reprehension which proved him of the minority who thought swearing ungentlemanly.
"By -- --, Sir Ralph, you shall not hear that low fellow!" "Excuse me, I must, if he has a right to be heard.

Mr.Halifax, you are a freeman of Kingswell ?" "I am." This fact surprised none more than myself.
Brithwood furiously exclaimed that it was a falsehood.

"The fellow does not belong to this neighbourhood at all.