In all business matters he
required a rigid economy though never at the expense of efficiency.
Intellectually he stood high, as I had ample opportunity of judging, but
if asked what were his most striking qualities I should say _goodness_
and a charm of manner which eludes description, but irresistibly
attracted all who met him. In appearance he was tall and portly, and his
bearing, carriage and presence were gentlemanly and refined. He was of
fair complexion, was possessed of a delightful smile, and had side
whiskers (turning white) continued in the old-fashioned way under the
chin, and yet he was so bright and debonair that he never looked
old-fashioned. Like myself he was a great lover of Dickens, and I think
his most prized possession was a small bookcase which had belonged to
Dickens' study and which he purchased at the sale at _Gad's Hill_. His
directors esteemed him highly, and the officers of the company were all
sincerely attached to him. In his room he held almost daily conferences.
Correspondence formed but a small part in his method of dealing with
departments. He believed in the value of _viva voce_ discussion, and
discouraged all unnecessary inter-departmental correspondence.
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