A true English gentleman, and I respect him." "Yet, John, Norton Bury calls you a democrat." "So I am, for I belong to the people.

But I nevertheless uphold a true aristocracy--the BEST MEN of the country,--do you remember our Greeks of old?
These ought to govern, and will govern, one day, whether their patent of nobility be births and titles, or only honesty and brains." Thus he talked on, and I liked to hear him, for talking was rare in his busy life of constant action.

I liked to observe how during these ten years his mind had brooded over many things; how it had grown, strengthened, and settled itself, enlarging both its vision and its aspirations; as a man does, who, his heart at rest in a happy home, has time and will to look out from thence into the troublous world outside, ready to do his work there likewise.

That John was able to do it--ay, beyond most men--few would doubt who looked into his face; strong with the strength of an intellect which owed all its development to himself alone; calm with the wisdom which, if a man is ever to be wise, comes to him after he has crossed the line of thirty years.

In that face, where day by day Time was writing its fit lessons--beautiful, because they were so fit--I ceased to miss the boyish grace, and rejoiced in the manhood present, in the old age that was to be.
It seemed almost too short a journey, when, putting his hand on the mare's bridle--the creature loved him, and turned to lick his arm the minute he came near--John stopped me to see the view from across Kingswell churchyard.
"Look, what a broad valley, rich in woods, and meadow-land, and corn.
How quiet and blue lie the Welsh hills far away.