Her stay at the castle had kept him long from the duties of his business; and he could imagine it a grievance if he pleased, but he put it aside.
Alighting at his chief manager's office, he passed through the heated atmosphere of black-browed, wiry little rebels, who withheld the salute as they lounged: a posture often preceding the spring in compulsorily idle workers.

He was aware of instinct abroad, an antagonism to the proprietor's rights.

They roused him to stand by them, and were his own form of instinct, handsomely clothed.

It behoved that he should examine them and the claims against them, to be sure of his ground.

He and Mr.
Howell Edwards debated the dispute for an hour; agreeing, partially differing.