... in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary, and yet somehow lovable" This means that despite his lack of conversation and emotion it is still possible to cement a friendship with him. "He was austere with himself, drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintages; and though he enjoyed the theatre, had not crossed the doors of one for twenty years." This means that he was strict with himself, probably in appearance and socialising. "It was frequently his fortune to be the last reputable acquaintance and the last good influence in the lives of down-going men." This tells us that he is a lawyer because being "the last good influence on down-going men" means that he was the last good person criminals would meet. This shows because all of the other characters confide in him and turn to him for help, allowing him glimpses of ...

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