It was known that they
were a sort of cousins; and, moreover, Jack Sandys was generally
popular, though only in his first year, because he was free from
any touch of uppishness, and of an imperturbable good-humour.
But his own feeling for the boy surprised Howard. He did not think
him very interesting, nor had they much in common except a perfect
goodwill. It was to Howard as if Jack represented something beyond
and further than himself, for which Howard cared--as one might love
a house for the sake of someone that had inhabited it, or because
of events that had happened there. He tried vaguely to interest
Jack in some of the things he cared about, but wholly in vain. That
cheerful youth went quietly on his own way--modest, handsome,
decided, knowing exactly what he liked, with very material tastes
and ambitions, not in the least emotional or imaginative, and yet
with a charm of which all were conscious. He was bored by any
violent attempts at friendship, and quite content in almost
anyone's company, naturally self-contained and temperate, making no
claims and giving no pledges; and yet Howard was deeply haunted by
the sense that Jack stood for something almost bewilderingly fine
which he himself could not comprehend or interpret, and of which
the boy himself was wholly and radiantly unconscious. It gave him,
indeed, a sudden warmth about the heart to see Jack in the court,
or even to think of him as living within the same walls; but there
was nothing jealous or exclusive about his interest, and when they
met, there was often nothing particular to say.
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