If he had not been so, he would hardly have been tolerated at the chateau, since he was not particularly beautiful, and not especially refined.

He was in holy orders, as his tonsured head and clerical costume bore witness--a costume which, from its tightness and simplicity, only served to exaggerate the unusual proportions of his person.

Monsieur the Preceptor had English blood in his veins, and his northern origin betrayed itself in his towering height and corresponding breadth, as well as by his fair hair and light blue eyes.

But the most remarkable parts of his outward man were his hands, which were of immense size, especially about the thumbs.

Monsieur the Preceptor was not exactly in keeping with his present abode.