Nor was there a more self-important person in all Bowling Green than Bowles--except, perhaps, it might be his mistress.

But it was only when he got himself into those tight-fitting drab trousers, and that bright blue coat with double rows of brass buttons, and mounted that small, tall hat with the huge buckle in front, that he fancied himself seen to advantage.
Bowles not only became a feature in Bowling Green society, but indeed considered himself necessary to the dignity of the family he was serving, and in duty bound to fight any coachman who would make the slightest insinuations against it.

This got him into numerous difficulties, for there was not a coachman in the neighborhood that did not set him down as a fair subject for unpleasant remarks.

One called him a dumpling-stomached darkey; while another said he must have been brought up in the family and fed on puddings.
"Can't be much of a family," a third would say, "to have such a short-legged shadow as you for coachman, and only one horse.

And such a livery as that! Why don't your mistress dress you like a man ?" Mr.Bowles had several times found himself measuring the pavement and his hat in the gutter, as a reward for his attempts to resent such indignities, which he considered were offered to the family rather than himself.