This we may call negative archaism. Esmond is an admirable example of it, and the 'Dame Gossip' part of Mr. Meredith's Amazing Marriage is another. The same may be said, on the whole, of Treasure Island, and of one or two novels of Besant's. Only the novelist who is not wise indulges in positive archaism. He is actuated by the determination to have everything in character at all costs.
Archaism is, no doubt, very seductive to the archaist.
Our list is largely drawn from Stevenson, who, having tried negative archaism with success in Treasure Island, chose to give us a positive specimen in The Black Arrow. I had not been a thief, I could not have painted me your face. Put me your hand into the corner, and see what ye find there. Bring me him down like a ripe apple. Selden, take me this old shrew softly to the nearest elm, and hang me him tenderly by the neck, where I may see him at my riding.