He looked like the "Portrait of a
Gentleman" at the Exhibition, as the worthy is represented: dignified in
attitude, bland, smiling, and statesmanlike, sitting at a table unsealing
letters, with a despatch-box and a silver inkstand before him, a column
and a scarlet curtain behind, and a park in the distance, with a great
thunderstorm lowering in the sky. Such a portrait, in fact, hangs over
the great sideboard at Newcome to this day, and above the three great
silver waiters, which the gratitude of as many Companies has presented to
their respected director and chairman.
In face, Hobson Newcome, Esq., was like his elder brother, but was more
portly in person. He allowed his red whiskers to grow wherever nature had
planted them, on his cheeks and under his chin. He wore thick shoes with
nails in them, or natty round-toed boots, with tight trousers and a
single strap. He affected the country gentleman in his appearance. His
hat had a broad brim, and the ample pockets of his cut-away coat were
never destitute of agricultural produce, samples of beans or corn, which
he used to bite and chew even on 'Change, or a whip-lash, or balls for
horses: in fine, he was a good old country gentleman.
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