Septimus Marvin, the world would say, had been laid upon a shelf when he was inducted to the spiritual cure of Farlingford.

But no man is ever laid on a shelf by Fate.

He climbs up there of his own will, and lies down beneath the dust of forgetfulness because he lacks the heart to arise and face the business of life.
Seeing that Dormer Colville was approaching him, he came forward with a certain scholarly ease of manner as if he had once mixed with the best on an intellectual equality.
Colville's manners were considered perfect, especially by those who were unable to detect a fine line said to exist between ease and too much ease.

Mr.Marvin recollected John Turner well.

Ten years earlier he had, indeed, corresponded at some length with the Paris banker respecting a valuable engraving.