“He was quick of temper, cultivated, but not a profound man,—unselfish. I think it must have been chiefly because he took a large and unfailing interest in other men’s pursuits, and was not troubled if they made no return in kind. He gave interest and affection, being easily pleased, and exacted no return. But it always came.”
“I should have said he had a talent for friendship. Genius is a large word,” said Anne.
“Yes; it was only an unusual capacity,—not genius.”
“But what is genius?” said Rose.
“You are getting out of my depth!” cried Mrs. Lyndsay, laughing. “I shall want a life-preserver pretty soon, Archie.”
“I can only quote Marcus Aurelius,” said Lyndsay.
“He remarks—what is it he says about genius, Anne?”
“No, no. We want something fresh, Pardy.”
“A fine way to clap an extinguisher on wisdom.”
“But I want—I do want an answer.”