To say the truth, the compliment was so expressed, that the lady might easily appropriate the greater share of it, for Thorncliff seemed an arrant country bumpkin, awkward, shy, and somewhat sulky withal.

He shook hands with me, however, and then intimated his intention of leaving me that he might help the huntsman and his brothers to couple up the hounds,--a purpose which he rather communicated by way of information to Miss Vernon than as apology to me.
"There he goes," said the young lady, following him with eyes in which disdain was admirably painted--"the prince of grooms and cock-fighters, and blackguard horse-coursers.

But there is not one of them to mend another .-- Have you read Markham ?" said Miss Vernon.
"Read whom, ma'am ?--I do not even remember the author's name." "O lud! on what a strand are you wrecked!" replied the young lady.

"A poor forlorn and ignorant stranger, unacquainted with the very Alcoran of the savage tribe whom you are come to reside among--Never to have heard of Markham, the most celebrated author on farriery! then I fear you are equally a stranger to the more modern names of Gibson and Bartlett ?" "I am, indeed, Miss Vernon." "And do you not blush to own it ?" said Miss Vernon.

"Why, we must forswear your alliance.