But his leading characteristics were vanity and conceit.

He had lived much with younger sons, cleverer than himself, who borrowed his money, sold him their horses, and won from him at cards.

In return they gave him all that species of flattery which young men _can_ give with so hearty an appearance of cordial admiration.
"You certainly have the best horses in Paris.

You are really a devilish good fellow, Doltimore.

Oh, do you know, Doltimore, what little Desire says of you?
You have certainly turned the girl's head." This sort of adulation from one sex was not corrected by any great acerbity from the other.