"I do not meddle with politics.

I am a merchant, and am well content with any Government that will protect my trade and my person." A sudden perversity had taken me to show myself at my most prosaic and unromantic.

I think it was the contrast with the glamour of those fine gentlemen.

I had neither claim nor desire to be of their company, and to her I could make no pretence.
He laughed scornfully.

"Yours is a noble cause," he said.