A gentleman friend of the Morrises had this habit too.

He had been a general in a war that took place in the South a good many years ago, and was often entertained at dinner at the Morrises'.

Though he was a well-informed, genial man, he was almost rude in making himself heard, so determined was he that people should listen to his jokes and stories, which were generally something about himself.

At a large tableful of guests, General Peterson's voice was always heard above that of every one else.

He seemed to compel the rest of the company to listen.