1.   In the highest rank, the brahmins were the priests, masters of spiritual matters.

2.   They married into the nobility and entered the highest ranks of state administration.

3.   Most important of all, diplomacy remained an expensive and, except in the highest ranks, underpaid profession, one which only the well-to-do could hope to enter.

4.   The highest rank was achieved by Sir Air Chief Marshall Sir Michael Armitage.

5.   And although he never was awarded the highest rank, he was the first foreigner to achieve the second-highest rank.

6.   And he said the White House had promoted diversity at the highest ranks, noting that seven blacks had been appointed to Cabinet positions.

7.   And the hearings are likely to reveal deep divisions within the highest ranks of Treasury, where there is a growing anxiety that the hearings may tarnish reputations.

8.   And today, he said, he does not often think about being one of the few blacks in the highest ranks of corpo- rate America.

9.   And the youngest son, Jim, is the one among them who holds the highest corporate rank.

10.   And today, he said, he does not often think about being one of the few blacks in the highest ranks of corporate America.