He never cared to talk about himself.
"I used to get tired," he said at last, with reluctance, "when I was younger.

There were times when I foolishly expected more from life than--than, in fact, I quite got, my dear; and the result was, I fear I had a very discontented spirit--an unthankful, discontented spirit," he repeated, with sad retrospection.
Something in his tone touched Ruth to the quick.
"And now ?" "I am content now." "Uncle John, tell me.

How did you grow to feel content ?" He saw there were tears in her eyes.
"It took a long time," he said.

"Anything that is worth knowing, Ruth, takes a long time to learn.

I think I found in the end, my dear, that the only way was to put my whole heart into what I was doing," (Mr.
Alwynn's voice was simple and earnest, as if he were imparting to Ruth a great discovery).