The _dramatis personae_ are ready at almost every moment, except the culminating moments of passion, to fall away from action into reflection and self-analysis.

The play of mind upon mind he recognises of course as a matter of profound interest and importance; but he catches the energy which spirit transfers to spirit less in the actual moment of transference than after it has arrived.

Thought and emotion with him do not circulate freely through a group of persons, receiving some modification from each.

He deals most successfully with each individual as a single and separate entity; each maintains his own attitude, and as he is touched by the common influence he proceeds to scrutinise it.

Mind in these plays threads its way dexterously in and out of action; it is not itself sufficiently incorporated in action.