I happened to be there when his first 'proofs' arrived.

The Major had had an attack of jaundice, and was in a fiendish humour.

We had a miserable time of it at dinner, for he badgered Derrick almost past bearing, and I think the poor old fellow minded it more when there was a third person present.

Somehow through all he managed to keep his extraordinary capacity for reverencing mere age--even this degraded and detestable old age of the Major's.

I often thought that in this he was like my own ancestor, Hugo Wharncliffe, whose deference and respectfulness and patience had not descended to me, while unfortunately the effects of his physical infirmities had.