'Poor Adela and he are at daggers drawn; no doubt it is some terrible argument that detains them now on the road.

I can't think how he got his views; certainly his father never inculcated them.' 'The air, Mrs.Waltham, the air,' murmured the clergyman.
The lady was not quite sure that she understood the remark, but the necessity of reply was obviated by the entrance of the young man in question.

Alfred was somewhat undergrown, but of solid build.

He walked in a sturdy and rather aggressive way, and his plump face seemed to indicate an intelligence, bright, indeed, but of the less refined order.
His head was held stiffly, and his whole bearing betrayed a desire to make the most of his defective stature.

His shake of the hand was an abrupt downward jerk, like a pull at a bell-rope.