a question

[serhanbener]

All would be well yet; the Mackenzies would be found, Flora, younger and lovelier and kinder than before; Alan would be found, and would have so nicely discriminated his behaviour as to have grown, on the one hand, into a valued friend of Mr. Nicholson's, and to have remained, upon the other, of that exact shade of joviality which John desired in his companions.

What is the meaning of "would have so nicely discriminated his behaviour as to have grown, on the one hand, into a valued friend of Mr. Nicholson's, and to have remained, upon the other, of that exact shade of joviality which John desired in his companions."?

Does it mean "He would be proud of being one of Mr. Nicholson's best friends and he wouldn't have changed his behaviours or get spoiled.

[Charles Darnay]

All would be well yet; the Mackenzies would be found, Flora, younger and lovelier and kinder than before; Alan would be found, and would have so nicely discriminated his behaviour as to have grown, on the one hand, into a valued friend of Mr. Nicholson's, and to have remained, upon the other, of that exact shade of joviality which John desired in his companions.

What is the meaning of "would have so nicely discriminated his behaviour as to have grown, on the one hand, into a valued friend of Mr. Nicholson's, and to have remained, upon the other, of that exact shade of joviality which John desired in his companions."?

Does it mean "He would be proud of being one of Mr. Nicholson's best friends and he wouldn't have changed his behaviours or get spoiled.

It's that lovely Victorian way of saying nothing with as many words as possible. Take out all the words between "nicely" and "grown" and the meaning becomes clearer.

Of course, there is a subtly that the extra words provide, but good Mr. Stevenson walks a fine line.