To be sure, if names could be taken as sufficient, he was a Liberal, a Radical; but how different his interpretation of such titles from that they bore to men of affairs! Respect for the masses he had none; interest in their affairs he had none either.

On the other hand, the tone of uninstructed Conservatism--that is to say, of the party so stamped--he altogether despised.

The motive which ultimately decided him to declare himself a Liberal was purely of sentiment; he remembered what Mrs.Baxendale had said about the hardships of poor Hood, and consequently allied himself with those who profess to be the special friends of the toiling multitude.
From the first he talked freely with Beatrice of his projects; he even exaggerated to her the cynicism with which he framed and pursued them.
He could never have talked in this way to Emily.

With Beatrice the tone did not injure him in the least, partly because she did not take it altogether seriously, yet more owing to the habit of mind whereby women in general subordinate principle to the practical welfare of the individual.

If Wilfrid found a sphere for the display of his talents, Beatrice eared nothing to dwell upon abstract points.