Lord Dorrington
Lord Dorrington, whose girth had upon more than one occassion caused him
to be mistaken for the Duke of York, was brother to the first Lady
Spenborough and from having a great notion of his own importance, and a
strong disposition to meddle in other persons' affairs, had appointed
himself to the position of doyen to the party. He came ponderously into
the room, his corsets slightly creaking, his massive jowl supported by
swathe upon swathe of neckcloth, and, having bowed to the widow, uttering
a few words of condolence in a wheezing voice, at once assumed the task
of directing the company to various chairs.
(ch. i)