The interior of the Church of St Mary and All Saints in Dunsfold, Surrey. There have been some alterations over the years since construction at the end of the thirteenth century: the chancel arches have been modified, and almost (but not quite) all and the original wall and the ceiling art has been lost. Perhaps the most remarkable original feature lies in the wooden pews, which are as old as the church and have stood there since the days of King Edward I (r. 1272-1307).
IN contrast to these was the family of a wealthy citizen, who had amassed a vast fortune; and, having purchased the estate and mansion of a ruined nobleman in the neighbourhood, was endeavoring to assume all the style and dignity of an hereditary lord of the soil. The family always came to church en prince.* They were rolled majestically along in a carriage emblazoned with arms. The crest glittered in silver radiance from every part of the harness where a crest could possibly be placed. A fat coachman, in a three-cornered hat, richly laced, and a flaxen wig, curling close round his rosy face, was seated on the box, with a sleek Danish dog beside him. Two footmen, in gorgeous liveries, with huge bouquets, and gold-headed canes, lolled behind. The carriage rose and sunk on its long springs with peculiar stateliness of motion. The very horses champed their bits, arched their necks, and glanced their eyes more proudly than common horses; either because they had caught a little of the family feeling, or were reined up more tightly than ordinary.*
* A French phrase roughly meaning ‘in princely style’.
* For Charles Dickens’s description of another carriage of distinction, see Tom Pinch Goes Up to London.
Précis
Next, Irving turned his attention to a self-made man from the City, who had bought his way into society and now turned up to the church with his family in a showy carriage sparkling with silver and dotted all over with heraldry. From the proud horses to the coachman’s hat and dog, everything was an unmistakable declaration of wealth. (59 / 60 words)
Next, Irving turned his attention to a self-made man from the City, who had bought his way into society and now turned up to the church with his family in a showy carriage sparkling with silver and dotted all over with heraldry. From the proud horses to the coachman’s hat and dog, everything was an unmistakable declaration of wealth.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, besides, just, not, or, ought, unless, whether.
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