I often think it must have been a great trial to a woman of my great-grandmother's energy, that her husband should have made no effort to add to their resources by work of some kind.

But then I cannot think of any profession that would have suited him.

He was sadly wanting in general capacity, though accomplished much above the average, and with a fine knack in the budding of roses.
I thought him the grandest gentleman that ever lived, and the pleasantest of companions.

His weak but lovable nature had strong sympathy with children, I think.

I ought to say, with a child; for he would share the fancies and humours of one child companion for hours, but was quite incapable of managing a larger number--as, indeed, he was of any kind of domestic administration or control.