His had once been of the noblest-and still were they such that a gentleman need not have been ashamed of-had it not been for a cast half-cynical, half-sinister, that could be detected in his eyes, sadly Detracting from a face otherwise well favoured.
"The White Gauntlet"
Mayne Reid
In the first place, leaving individuals to the operation of the common motives, we may labor at the social institutions, to adjust them to the rule, that, each seeking his own, after the common apprehension of present interests, may do so consistently with acting the part of a good citizen-contributing something to the general welfare; or, at least, not greatly Detracting therefrom.
"The Growth of Thought As Affecting the Progress of Society"
William Withington
Squire Leech shrugged his shoulders and had too much wisdom to continue Detracting from Herbert's merits, seeing that his guest seemed determined to think well of him.
"Herbert Carter's Legacy"
Horatio Alger