But he defied inspection.

Not Sidwell herself, doubtless sensitive in the highest degree, could conceive a prejudice against him on this account.
His misgivings were overcome.

If these people were acquainted with the 'dining-rooms' joke, it certainly did not affect their behaviour to him, and he could hope, by the force of his personality, to obliterate from their minds such disagreeable thoughts as they might secretly entertain.

Surely he could make good his claim to be deemed a gentleman.

To Buckland he had declared his position, and no shame attached to it.