His riches were large, but he was above all things a great gentleman, who had grafted on an old proud stock the tolerance and vigour of a new land.
The company had finished dining, for the table was covered with fruits and comfits, and wine in silver goblets.

There was sack and madeira, and French claret, and white Rhenish, and ale and cider for those with homelier palates.

I saw dimly around me the faces of the guests, for the few candles scarcely illumined the dusk of the great panelled hall hung with dark portraits.

One man gave me good-evening, but as I sat at the extreme end of the table I was out of the circle of the company.
They talked and laughed, and it seemed to me that I could hear women's voices at the other end.

Meantime I was busy with my viands, and no man ever punished a venison pie more heartily.