The modern acceptance of things is only a somewhat attenuated remnant of the ancient idea.

And this is what I have to deal with and understand.
When I begin to do the things I am going to do, with the aid of your practical advice, if I have your approval, the people will be at first rather afraid of me.

They will privately suspect I am mad.

It will, also, not seem at all unlikely that an American should be of unreasoningly extravagant and flighty mind.

Stornham, having long slumbered in remote peace through lack of railroad convenience, still regards America as almost of the character of wild rumour.