For myself, I find it rather dreary.

But I do respect it.

They're all so much in earnest.

They do take the serious things very seriously." The description of Hirst's way of life interested Rachel so much that she almost forgot her private grudge against him, and her respect revived.
"They are really very clever then ?" she asked.
"Of course they are.

So far as brains go I think it's true what he said the other day; they're the cleverest people in England.