He was careful in his dress, but not so as to betray the care that he took; he was imperturbable in temper, though restless in spirit; and the one strong passion of his life was the desire of a good income at the cost of the public.
He had an easy way of getting intimate with young men when it suited him, and as easy a way of dropping them afterwards when that suited him.

He had no idea of wasting his time or opportunities in friendships.

Not that he was indifferent as to his companions, or did not appreciate the pleasure of living with pleasant men; but that life was too short, and with him the race too much up hill, to allow of his indulging in such luxuries.

He looked on friendship as one of those costly delights with which none but the rich should presume to gratify themselves.

He could not afford to associate with his fellow-men on any other terms than those of making capital of them.