He entirely believed what he said, and felt that it must carry conviction to anyone who listened to it with anything like an open mind.

The only thing that he did not allow for was that he personally immensely enjoyed his social and dominant position, thinking it indeed the only position which was really worth having.

This naturally gave an aid to comprehension, and he did not take into account that Michael was not so blessed as he, and indeed lacked this very superior individual enlightenment.

But his own words kindled the flame of this illumination, and without noticing the blank stolidity of Michael's face he went on with gathering confidence: "I am sure you are high-minded, my dear Michael," he said.

"And it is to your high-mindedness that I--yes, I don't mind saying it--that I appeal.
In a moment of unreflectiveness you have thrown overboard what I am sure is real to you, the sense, broadly speaking, that you are English and of the highest English class, and have intended to devote yourself to more selfish and pleasure-loving aims, and to dwell in a tinkle of pleasant sounds that please your ear; and I'm sure I don't wonder, because, as your mother and I both know, you play charmingly.