It seems to me that he has two characters: the one what he seems to be--light hearted, merry, straightforward, and outspoken; the other thoughtful, astute, ambitious, and politic, studying men closely, and adapting himself to their moods.
"I don't pretend to understand him at all--he is altogether beyond me; but I am sure he will be a great leader, some day.

I think you would understand him better than I should, and I know he thinks so, too.

Of course, you had your own duties all through the campaign, and saw but little of him; but more than once he said: "'I wish I had your English cousin with me.

I like you much, Laville; but your cousin is more like myself, and I should learn much of him.

You are brave and merry and good-tempered, and so is he; but he has a longer head than you have,'-- which I know is quite true--'you would be quite content to spend your life at court, Francois; where you would make a good figure, and would take things as they come.