He would introduce you to his favourite authors with a magnificent take-it-or-leave-it air, while an almost imperceptible lifting of his eyebrows as he handed you _your_ favourite was a subtle criticism of your taste.

This method of conducting business was called keeping up the tone of the establishment.

The appearance and disappearance of this person was timed and regulated by circumstances beyond his own control, so that of necessity all the other Mr.
Rickmans were subject to him.
For there was Mr.Rickman the student and recluse, who inhabited the insides of other men's books.

Owing to his habitual converse with intellects greater--really greater--than his own, he was an exceedingly humble and reverent person.

A high and stainless soul.