Loftus had already two folios of extracts copied from all the records to which Dr.Walsingham could procure him access.

They could not have worked harder, indeed, if they were getting up evidence to prove their joint title to Lord Castlemallard's estates.

This pursuit was a bond of close sympathy between the rector and the student, and they spent more time than appeared to his parishioners quite consistent with sanity in the paddock by the river, pacing up and down, and across, poking sticks into the earth and grubbing for old walls underground.
Loftus, moreover, was a good Irish scholar, and from Celtic MSS.

had elicited some cross-lights upon his subject--not very bright or steady, I allow--but enough to delight the rector, and inspire him with a tender reverence for the indefatigable and versatile youth, who was devoting to the successful equitation of their hobby so many of his hours, and so much of his languages, labour, and brains.
Lord Castlemallard was accustomed to be listened to, and was not aware how confoundedly dull his talk sometimes was.

It was measured, and dreamy, and every way slow.