He had indeed some talent for sarcasm, and not seldom employed, quite unconsciously, a natural rhetoric, quaint, indeed, but vigorous and original.

He did not, however, in the least affect the character of a wit or of an orator.

His attention had been confined to those studies which form strenuous and sagacious men of business.

From a child he listened with interest when high questions of alliance, finance, and war were discussed.

Of geometry he learned as much as was necessary for the construction of a ravelin or a hornwork.