Yet those very weaknesses had much to do with his amiability.

This they had in common: both aspired to something that fortune had denied them.

Ackroyd had his idea of a social revolution, and, though it seemed doubtful whether he was exactly the man to claim a larger sphere for the energies of his class, his thought often had genuine nobleness, clearly recognisable by Gilbert.

Ackroyd had brain-power above the average, and it was his right to strive for a better lot than the candle-factory could assure him.

So Grail listened with a smile of much indulgence to the young fellow's fuming against the order of things, and if he now and then put in a critical remark was not sorry to have it scornfully swept aside with a flood of vehement words.