He was part of the life of the House of Commons, for that was his place of work; and when he left it he went to Aughavanagh as a man returns from the City to his home.

This home of his was in no sense connected with his active occupations.

He was no lover of gardening or of farming; he had none of the Irishman's taste for the overseeing of stock or land; he enjoyed shooting, but he was not a passionate sportsman.

What was a passion with him--- for he sacrificed much to it--was rest in the place of his choice.
It was not a lonely habitation.

He was no recluse, and when there he was always surrounded by his friends.