He had read a good deal of all kinds of literature, including much garbage; he could play a little on the piano, and speak French with an excellent accent.

In a word, he had learned every thing that had pleased him, as well as a little Latin and some mathematics, which had not.

He knew English history far better than most young Englishmen; but the sight of tomb or ruin had never made his heart pulse faster with an evoked idea by a single beat.

Historical associations had no charm for him.

This mighty oak, for example, under the shadow of which he now stands sentry, and which he had transferred so deftly to his portfolio, has no longer any interest for him.