He appeared to have some thought of volunteering to serve in America, and some of entering into a foreign service; but his plans were, I suppose, _in nubibus_.

All that was plain was that he was restless and eager for some change--any.
It was not a very long visit, you may suppose; and just as Dr.
Walsingham rode out of the avenue, Lord Castlemallard was riding leisurely by towards Chapelizod, followed by his groom.
His lordship, though he had a drowsy way with him, was esteemed rather an active man of business, being really, I'm afraid, only what is termed a fidget: and the fact is, his business would have been better done if he had looked after it himself a good deal less.
He was just going down to the town to see whether Dangerfield had arrived, and slackened his pace to allow the doctor to join him, for he could ride with him more comfortably than with parsons generally, the doctor being well descended, and having married, besides, into a good family.

He stared, as he passed, at the old house listlessly and peevishly.

He had heard of Mervyn's doings there, and did not like them.
'Yes, Sir, he's a very pretty young, man, and very well dressed,' said his lordship, with manifest dissatisfaction: 'but I don't like meeting him, you know.

'Tis not his fault; but one can't help thinking of--of things! and I'd be glad his friends would advise him not to dress in velvets, you know--particularly black velvets you can understand.