" I am not what would ordinarily be called a dressy man, as you are aware; but I should not have presented myself here in the utmost degree of squalor . . .'
'No, no ..."
'. . . had it not been a matter of some urgency. Though,' he murmured, looking at his cuff, 'this was quite a good shirt, some years ago. "

― Patrick O'Brian , Blue at the Mizzen (Aubrey & Maturin #20)