At the mention of the Irish language, the old man grew gruffer, and remembering that the landlady had said that Miss Cronin was very religious, Ned spoke of the priests-there were two in the room-and he asked Mr. Cronin which of them had encouraged Miss Cronin to learn Irish.
"The Untilled Field"
George Moore
Then as Eric pressed him with entreaty, he suddenly wheeled about and spoke in gruffer tones than he had so far used,- "You'd best be still and keep quiet.
"The Wreckers of Sable Island"
J. Macdonald Oxley
Mike did not forget to secure the wolf-skin; and just as the sun sank behind the trees, we were saluted by the sharp, joyous barking of Snap, Yelp, and Pop, and by the gruffer tones of Quambo, who rushed out of the hut to welcome us home.
"Afar in the Forest"
W.H.G. Kingston