Mr.Jobbles was enthusiastically intent on examining the whole adult male population of Great Britain, and had gone so far as to hint that female competitors might, at some future time, be made subject to his all-measuring rule and compass.

Sir Gregory, however, who, having passed his early days in an office, may, perhaps, be supposed to have had some slight prejudice remaining in favour of ancient customs, was not inclined to travel so quickly.

Moreover, he preferred following his own lead, to taking any other lead whatever that Mr.Jobbles might point out as preferable.
Mr.Jobbles wanted to crush all patronage at a blow; any system of patronage would lamentably limit the number of candidates among whom his examination papers would be distributed.

He longed to behold, crowding around him, an attendance as copious as Mr.
Spurgeon's, and to see every head bowed over the posing questions which he should have dictated.

No legion could be too many for him.