But the Earl's polite and meaning smile filled up the remainder of the sentence.
Sir Ralph Oldtower drew himself up haughtily, and the fire of youth flashed indignantly from his grand old eyes.
"Lord Luxmore seems not to understand the duties and principles of us country gentlemen," he said coldly, and turned away, addressing the general meeting.

"Gentlemen, the poll will be held this afternoon, according to the suggestion of my neighbour here." "Sir Ralph Oldtower has convenient neighbours," remarked Lord Luxmore.
"Of my neighbour, Mr Halifax," repeated the old baronet, louder, and more emphatically.

"A gentleman,"-- he paused, as if doubtful whether in that title he were awarding a right or bestowing a courtesy, looked at John, and decided--"a gentleman for whom, ever since I have known him, I have entertained the highest respect." It was the first public recognition of the position which for some time had been tacitly given to John Halifax in his own neighbourhood.

Coming thus, from this upright and honourable old man, whose least merit it was to hold, and worthily, a baronetage centuries old, it made John's cheek glow with an honest gratification and a pardonable pride.
"Tell her," he said to me, when, the meeting having dispersed, he asked me to ride home and explain the reason of his detention at Kingswell--"Tell my wife all.

She will be pleased, you know." Ay, she was.