Can I imagine myself writing and speaking such things now-a-days?
Scarcely: yet the spirit remains, it is only the manifestations which have changed.

I am by nature combative; I feel the need of attacking the cherished prejudices of society; I have a joy in outraging what are called the proprieties.

And I wait for my opportunity, which has yet to come." "How commonplace my life has been, in comparison," said Julian, after an interval of thoughtfulness.
"Your nature, I believe, is very pure, and therefore very happy.

_I_ am what Browning somewhere calls a 'beast with a speckled hide,' and happiness, I take it, I shall never know." Julian could begin to see that his friend took something of a pleasure in showing and dwelling upon the worst side of his own character.
"You will be happy," he said, "when you once find your true work, and feel that you are doing it well." "But the motives, the motives!--Never mind, I've talked enough of myself for one sitting.

Don't think I've told you everything.