I took journeys, with the ecstasy of youth and of good health.

I never shall forget the pleasure of certain days and skies, and the enjoyment that I had in nature.

In society, I had a little more weariness, as I grew older, and found a certain want of interest, as was inevitable.
Society isn't all made up of clever people, and even clever people get to be tiresome in the course of time.

But at twenty-four I was by no means _blase_, only more addicted to books and journeys, and less enthusiastic about parties and croquet, though these I could enjoy a little yet.
I had a pretty house (and re-furnished it very often, which always gave me pleasure).

I had no care, for Richard had arranged that I should have a very excellent sort of person for duenna, who had a good deal of tact, and didn't bore me, and was shrewd enough to make things very smooth.