It is not
wholly conceit, perhaps, which so assures these clever lads of
the vastness of their untried capabilities, that there are
moments when they feel as if they could grasp heaven and earth
in their wide consciousness; it is rather a want of experience
and clearness of perception. Horace Graham was not
particularly conceited, and yet, in common with many other men
of his age, he had a conviction that, in some way or other,
life had great exceptional prizes in store for him; and indeed
he was so strong, and young, and honest-hearted, that he had
been successful enough hitherto within his narrow limits. He
had pleasant manners, too, and a pleasant face, which gained
him as many friends as he ever cared to have; for he had a
queer, reserved, unsociable twist in his character, which kept
him aloof from much company, and rather spoilt his reputation
for geniality and heartiness. He hated the hard work he had to
go through in society; so at least he was wont to grumble, and
then would add, laughing, "I daresay I am a conceited puppy to
say so: but the fact is, there are not six people in the world
whose company I would prefer to my own for a whole day.
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