But I am not obstinate; tell me what to do and I'll do it--anything except enter the Diplomatic Service, to lie abroad for the benefit of my country, in the words of the ancient saying." "There is no fear of that, for you would never pass the examination," said the practical Godfrey.

"You see, you are too clever," he added by way of explanation, "and too much occupied with a dozen things of which examiners take no account, the merits of the various religious systems, for instance." "So are you," interrupted Arthur.
"I know I am; I love them.

I'd like to talk to you about reincarnation and astronomy, of which I know something, and even astrology and the survival of the dead and lots of other things.

But I have got to make my way in the world, and I've no time.

You think me a heavy bore and an old fogey because I won't go to parties to which lots of those nice fellows ask me.