Now he did care.

He was beginning to understand himself better.
In truth, he had never looked forward beyond a year or two.

Ambition, desires, he possessed in no common degree, but as a vague, unexamined impulse.

He had dreamt of love, but timidly, tremulously; that was for the time to come.

He had dreamt of distinction; that, also, must be patiently awaited.