'The date of those towers and arches is matter of absolute certainty from the details.

That they should have been built before the Conquest is as unlikely as, say, that the rustiest old gun with a percussion lock should be older than the date of Waterloo.' 'How I wish I knew something precise of an art which makes one so independent of written history!' Mr.Havill had lapsed into a mannerly silence that was only sullenness disguised.

Paula turned her conversation to Miss De Stancy, who had simply looked from one to the other during the discussion, though she might have been supposed to have a prescriptive right to a few remarks on the matter.

A commonplace talk ensued, till Havill, who had not joined in it, privately began at Somerset again with a mixed manner of cordiality, contempt, and misgiving.
'You have a practice, I suppose, sir ?' 'I am not in practice just yet.' 'Just beginning ?' 'I am about to begin.' 'In London, or near here ?' 'In London probably.' 'H'm....

I am practising in Markton.' 'Indeed.