His eyes were a little sunken, though very bright and keen, and his manner was extremely courteous.

He spoke very civilly to Malcolm.
"Mr.Charrington is hardly my idea of a country vicar," he observed as they drove away.
"Perhaps not," returned Elizabeth quickly, "but he is a very conscientious clergyman, and his people's welfare is very near his heart.

He is a great etymologist and archaeologist, and at times he is so immersed in his studies that but for the care of his excellent housekeeper, Mrs.Finch, he would often forget to eat his dinner.

Mr.
Carlyon often tells us amusing stories of the vicar's absence of mind." "Could you not remember one of them, Betty ?" suggested Cedric.

But Elizabeth was not to be cajoled into repeating them.