They consisted chiefly of the middling gentry, with others whom industry or successful speculations in commerce or in mining had raised into eminence--the persons who feel most umbrage from the overshadowing aristocracy, and are usually the most vehement in defence of what they hold to be their rights.

Their dress was in general studiously simple and unostentatious, or only remarkable by the contradictory affectation of extreme simplicity or carelessness.

The dark colour of their cloaks, varying from absolute black to what was called sad-coloured--their steeple-crowned hats, with their broad shadowy brims--their long swords, suspended by a simple strap around the loins, without shoulder-belt, sword-knot, plate, buckles, or any of the other decorations with which the Cavaliers loved to adorn their trusty rapiers,--the shortness of their hair, which made their ears appear of disproportioned size,--above all, the stern and gloomy gravity of their looks, announced their belonging to that class of enthusiasts, who, resolute and undismayed, had cast down the former fabric of government, and who now regarded with somewhat more than suspicion, that which had been so unexpectedly substituted in its stead.

There was gloom in their countenances; but it was not that of dejection, far less of despair.

They looked like veterans after a defeat, which may have checked their career and wounded their pride, but has left their courage undiminished.
The melancholy, now become habitual, which overcast Major Bridgenorth's countenance, well qualified him to act as the chief of the group who now advanced from the village.