A Stumbling Block

Excerpt from A Stumbling Block
A Neat and somewhat acetic-looking elderly gentleman, tightly buttoned into that sort of long frock-coat which is worn by acetic-looking elderly gentlemen, and crowned by that sort of top-hat which accompanies such a coat, stepped out of the open front door of the Eagle Hotel and stood at the top of the half-dozen steps severely regarding the world below him. A lady passing down Main Street towards the bridge bowed and said, "Good-morning, Robert!" But the elderly gentleman - albeit of a fine, old-style courtesy in his normal moments - looked through and beyond her and paid her no heed. After a moment he beat loudly upon the boards of the high porch with a gold-headed stick which he carried, and a young lad without jacket, and touselled of hair, dashed forth to his bidding.
"Attend me!" said the elderly gentleman haughtily, and out-thrust an imperious left arm.
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