He became a "patron," as they called it in those days, of art and literature, and assembled around him all who, for his pleasure and their own benefit, chose to enjoy his hospitality.
In a quiet way, for he disliked public show, he was likewise what was termed a "philanthropist," but always on the system which he had learned in his boyhood from Helen and Mr.Cardross, that "charity begins at home;" with the father who guides well his own household; the minister whose footstep is welcomed at every door in his own parish; the proprietor whose just, wise, and merciful rule make him sovereign absolute in his own estate.

This last especially was the character given along all the country-side to the Earl of Cairnforth.
His was not a sad existence; far from it.

None who knew him, and certainly none who ever staid long with him in his own home, went away with that impression.

He enjoyed what he called "a sunshiny life"-- having sunshiny faces about him; people who knew how to accept the sweet and endure the bitter; to see the heavenly side even of sorrow; to do good to all, and receive good from all; avoiding all envies, jealousies, angers, and strifes, and following out literally the apostolic command, "As much as in you lies, live peaceably with all men." And so the earl was, in the best sense of the word, popular.

Every body liked him, and he liked every body.