The performance was checked by another look solid as shot, and as quick.

Woodseer, who would have done for Sir Meeson Corby or Lazarus what had been done for him, thought little of the service, but so intense a peremptoriness in the look of an eye made him uncomfortable in his own sense of independence.

The humblest citizen of a free nation has that warning at some notable exhibition of tyranny in a neighbouring State: it acts like a concussion of the air.
Lord Fleetwood led an easy dialogue with him and Sir Meeson, on their different themes immediately, which was not less impressive to an observer.

He listened to Sir Meeson's entreaties that he should start at once for Baden, and appeared to pity the poor gentleman, condemned by his office to hang about him in terror of his liege lady's displeasure.
Presently, near the close of the meal, drawing a ring from his finger, he handed it to the baronet, and said, 'Give her that.

She knows I shall follow that.' He added to himself:--I shall have ill-luck till I have it back! and he asked Woodseer whether he put faith in the virtue of talismans.
'I have never possessed one,' said Woodseer, with his natural frankness.
'It would have gone long before this for a night's lodging.' Sir Meeson heard him, and instantly urged Lord Fleetwood not to think of dismissing his man Francis.