He taught himself French and a little German.

He read history, philosophy, a smattering of science, and interested himself in politics.

So aristocratic a personage naturally had passionate Tory sympathies.

Now and again--but not often, for the theatrical profession is generally Conservative--he came across a furious Radical in the company and tasted the joy of fierce argument.

Now and again too, he came across a young woman of high modern cultivation, and once or twice narrowly escaped wrecking his heart on the Scylline rock of her intellect.