Buckland, doubtless, had some knowledge of the world, and could boast of a free mind; but he lacked subtlety: a psychological problem would easily puzzle him.

Mr.Warricombe's attainments were respectable, but what could be said of a man who had devoted his life to geology, and still (in the year 1884) remained an orthodox member of the Church of England?
Godwin, as he sat in the drawing-room and enjoyed its atmosphere of refinement, sincerely held himself of far more account as an intellectual being than all the persons about him.
But if his brain must dwell in solitude his heart might compass worthy alliances--the thing most needful to humanity.

One may find the associates of his intellect in libraries--the friend of one's emotions must walk in flesh and blood.

Earwaker, Moxey--these were in many respects admirable fellows, and he had no little love for them, but the world they represented was womanless, and so of flagrant imperfection.
Of Marcella Moxey he could not think emotionally; indeed she emphasised by her personality the lack which caused his suffering.

Sidwell Warricombe suggested, more completely than any woman he had yet observed, that companionship without which life must to the end taste bitter.