When 'he' takes the lead all the lesser gentry-many of whom, perhaps, live in his manor houses-follow suit, and with such powerful support to back it a movement is sure to succeed, yet 'he' is rarely seen; his hand rarely felt; everything is done, but without obtrusiveness.
"Hodge and His Masters"
Richard Jefferies
Leave these dear mountains, and return to that dull town to look again on the monotonous faces of its inhabitants with their air of self importance, the obtrusiveness of which disturbs my very dreams.
"The Dead Lake and Other Tales"
Paul Heyse
"I am afraid," she said, in her blandest manner, "that my interest in the dear lady has led me into obtrusiveness, or, at least, that you think so.
"Wives and Widows; or The Broken Life"
Ann S. Stephens