It allowed him scarcely any attention to his plate, but Mr.Vialls had the repute of an ascetic.

In his buttonhole was a piece of blue ribbon, symbol of a ferocious total-abstinence; his face would have afforded sufficient proof that among the reverend man's failings were few distinctly of the flesh.
The Mayor did not pretend to asceticism.

He ate largely and without much discrimination.

His variously shaped and coloured glasses were not merely for display.

When the door had closed behind the Mayoress and her two companions, he settled himself with an audible sigh, and for a few moments wore a look of meditation; then, leaning towards Glazzard, he inquired gravely: "What is your opinion of the works of Bawlzac ?" The guest was at a loss for an instant, but he quickly recovered himself.
"Ah, the French novelist?
A man of great power, but--hardly according to English tastes." "Should you consider him suitable reading for young ladies ?" "Well, hardly.