There was no socialism in him.

The true barbarian is like the true aristocrat: more a giver of gifts than a lover of co-operation; conserving ownership by right of power and superior independence, hereditary or otherwise.

Gaston was both barbarian and aristocrat.
"Brillon," he said, as they walked on, "do you think they would be happier on the prairies with a hundred acres of land, horses, cows, and a pen of pigs ?" "Can I be happy here all at once, sir ?" "That's just it.

It's too late for them.

They couldn't grasp it unless they went when they were youngsters.