text:  In how many cases can he trace any material alteration beyond what results from the mere accidents of time and place? He finds it is to be hoped good principles developed warm impulses ripened into active habits exaggerations softened down (for I am giving him credit for not choosing his companions even in youth among the vicious in heart and principle;) but if he finds in any what he can call a _change_ at all then I ask in how many instances is it a change for the better? or does he not find it rather where there was no sterling value in the metal which as the gloss of youth wears off loses its only charm? Thirty is the turning-point of a man's life; when marrying becomes a now-or-never sort of business and dinners begin to delight him more than dancing