Now, however, these views were put down to amiable eccentricity; moreover, I was careful not to obtrude them.
Responsibility sobers, and as we age and succeed we become more moderate, for most of us have a method in our madness.
In brief, I determined to give up political knight-errantry and to stick to sober business.

Very carefully and in the most conservative spirit I took stock of the situation.

I was still a couple of years on the right side of fifty, young looking for my age (an advantage), a desirable _parti_ (a great advantage, although I had no intention of re-marrying), and in full health and vigour.

Further, I possessed a large fortune all in cash or in liquid assets, and I resolved that it should not diminish.
I had experienced enough of ups and downs; I was sick of vicissitudes, of fears and uncertainties for the future.

I said to my soul: "Thou hast enough laid up for many days; eat, drink and be merry," and I proceeded to invest my modest competence in such a fashion that it brought in a steady four per cent.