Sir Constans was showing the courtier an early cherry-tree, whose fruit was already set.

The dry hot weather had caused it to set even earlier than usual.

A suit of black velvet, an extremely expensive and almost unprocurable material, brought the courtier's pale features into relief.

It was only by the very oldest families that any velvet or satin or similar materials were still preserved; if these were in pecuniary difficulties they might sell some part of their store, but such things were not to be got for money in the ordinary way.
Two small silver bars across his left shoulder showed that he was a lord-in-waiting.

He was a handsome man, with clear-cut features, somewhat rakish from late hours and dissipation, but not the less interesting on that account.