"Herbert Netherby, though, as I have said, only thirteen years of age, had
already attained a degree of mental development sufficient for
characterization. Disease had favoured the almost unhealthy predominance
of the mental over the bodily powers of the child; so that, although the
constitution which at one time was supposed to have entirely given way,
had for the last few years been gradually gaining strength, he was still
to be seen far oftener walking about with his hands in his pockets, and
his gaze bent on the ground, or turned up to the clouds, than joining in
any of the boyish sports of those of his own age. A nervous dread of
ridicule would deter him from taking his part, even when for a moment the
fountain of youthfulness gushed forth, and impelled him to find rest in
activity. So the impulse would pass away, and he would relapse into his
former quiescence. But this partial isolation ministered to the growth of
a love of Nature which, although its roots were coeval with his being,
might not have so soon appeared above ground, but for this lack of human
companionship.
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