But this?
To become an integral part of the life--the English country gentleman; to be reduced, diluted, to the needs of the convention, and no more?
Let him think of the details:--a justice of the peace: to sit on a board of directors; to be, perhaps, Master of the Hounds; to unite with the Bishop in restoring the cathedral; to make an address at the annual flower show.

His wife to open bazaars, give tennis-parties, and be patron to the clergy; himself at last, no doubt, to go into Parliament; to feel the petty, or serious, responsibilities of a husband and a landlord.

Monotony, extreme decorum, civility to the world; endless politeness to his wife; with boys at Eton and girls somewhere else; and the kind of man he must be to do his duty in all and to all! It seemed impossible.

He rose and paced the floor.

Never till this moment had the full picture of his new life come close.