"He is a plain man, and he knows it," Emily had replied.

Mr.Trevelyan was doubtless a handsome man, and it was almost on Nora's tongue to say something ill-natured on the subject.
Hugh Stanbury was reputed to be somewhat hot in spirit and manner.

He would be very sage in argument, pounding down his ideas on politics, religion, or social life with his fist as well as his voice.

He was quick, perhaps, at making antipathies, and quick, too, in making friendships; impressionable, demonstrative, eager, rapid in his movements,--sometimes to the great detriment of his shins and knuckles; and he possessed the sweetest temper that was ever given to a man for the blessing of a woman.

This was the man between whom and Mr.Glascock Nora Rowley found it to be impossible not to make comparisons.
On the very day after Lady Milborough's dinner party Stanbury overtook Trevelyan in the street, and asked his friend where he was going eastward.