None the less he moved with much activity, gesticulated frequently with the normal arm, and seemed always to be in excellent spirits.

He was a Cambridge graduate, but had never been able to make much use of his education and abilities; having reached middle age, and finding himself without resources, he was glad to accept this post at the Institute.
About him stood three Polterham worthies: Mr.Chown, draper, a member of the Corporation; Mr.Vawdrey, coal-merchant; and Mr.Murgatroyd, dentist.

The draper--tall, bearded, with goggle eyes and prominent cheek-bones--had just rushed in; as soon as Mr.Wykes had spoken, he exclaimed in a hard, positive voice: "It's nothing! it's nothing! I have it on the best assurance that it was only a fall over a footstool.

Muscles strained--a bruise or two--nothing worse." "I'm very glad to hear it, on every ground," said Wykes.

"But even if that is quite correct, it'll be a warning.