His eyes were fixed in a wide absent gaze.

Mrs.Eldon had lost all the severity of her face; the profound sorrow of a pure and noble nature was alone to be read there now.
'What,' she continued--'what is this class distinction upon which we pride ourselves?
What does it mean, if not that our opportunities lead us to see truths to which the eyes of the poor and ignorant are blind?
Is there nothing in it, after all--in our pride of birth and station?
That is what people are saying nowadays: you yourself have jested to me about our privileges.

You almost make me dread that you were right.

Look back at that man, whom I came to honour as my own father.

He began life as a toiler with his hands.