Jefferson was thoroughly in earnest.

If needs be, he would forego the great fortune that awaited him rather than be forced into questionable business methods against which his whole manhood revolted.
Jefferson Ryder felt strongly about these matters, and gave them more thought than would be expected of most young men with his opportunities.

In fact, he was unusually serious for his age.

He was not yet thirty, but he had done a great deal of reading, and he took a keen interest in all the political and sociological questions of the hour.

In personal appearance, he was the type of man that both men and women like--tall and athletic looking, with smooth face and clean-cut features.