He had fulfilled the promise of his youth, and grown into a bloated, coarse-featured, middle-aged man; such a man as one rarely meets with now-a-days; for even I, Phineas Fletcher, have lived to see so great a change in manners and morals, that intemperance, instead of being the usual characteristic of "a gentleman," has become a rare failing--a universally-contemned disgrace.
"Less noise there!" growled Mr.Brithwood.

"Silence, you fellows at the door! Now, Sir Ralph, let's get the business over, and be back for dinner." Sir Ralph turned his stately grey head to the light, put on his gold spectacles, and began to read the writ of election.

As he finished, the small audience set up a feeble cheer.
The sheriff acknowledged it, then leaned over the table talking with rather frosty civility to Lord Luxmore.

Their acquaintance seemed solely that of business.

People whispered that Sir Ralph never forgot that the Oldtowers were Crusaders when the Ravenels were--nobody.