The bird stopped in mid-air, jerked forward, and fell headlong into the grass sods with a thud.

In the sunlight the dead bird lay, and a smirk of triumph played on George's lips.

He was feeling the joy of life.
During his covert shoots the Squire had the habit of recording his impressions in a mental note-book.

He put special marks against such as missed, or shot birds behind the waist, or placed lead in them to the detriment of their market value, or broke only one leg of a hare at a time, causing the animal to cry like a tortured child, which some men do not like; or such as, anxious for fame, claimed dead creatures that they had not shot, or peopled the next beat with imaginary slain, or too frequently "wiped an important neighbour's eye," or shot too many beaters in the legs.

Against this evidence, however, he unconsciously weighed the more undeniable social facts, such as the title of Winlow's father; Sir James Malden's coverts, which must also presently be shot; Thomas Brandwhite's position in the financial world; General Pendyce's relationship to himself; and the importance of the English Church.
Against Foxleigh alone he could put no marks.