By degrees, after many years, it became apparent to all that he was going downhill.

The stock upon the farm was not so large nor of so good a character as had been the case.

The manner of men visibly changed towards him.

The small dealers, even the very carriers along the road, the higglers, and other persons who call at a farm on petty business, gave him clearly to know in their own coarse way that they despised him.

They flatly contradicted him, and bore him down with loud tongues.