We have noted your outgoings and incomings
on divers occasions; and we are sorry to say that you cannot be
classed with the true gentleman.
"Sir!"
Gently! Gently! If a man may be a Christian, and not a gentleman at
the same time, your case is not so bad. But to the testimony of
fact. Let these witness for or against you. Let your own deeds
approve or condemn. You are not afraid of judgment by the standard
of your own conduct?
"Of course not."
And if we educe only well-remembered incidents, no offence will be
taken.
"Certainly not."
We go back, then, and repeat the law of true gentlemanly conduct.
"As ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them."
You were at Stockbridge last summer?
"Yes."
And took supper at the hotel there, with a small company of
strangers?
"Yes."
There was a dish of fine strawberries on the table, among the first
of the season. You are fond of strawberries. They are your favorite
fruit; and, as their rich fragrance came to your nostrils, you felt
eager to taste them. So you counted the guests at the table, and
measured the dish of strawberries with your eyes. Then you looked
from face to face, and saw that all were strangers. Appetite might
be indulged, and no one would know that it was _you_. The
strawberries would certainly not go round, So you hurried down a cup
of tea, and swallowed some toast quickly.
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