You went early, and secured good seats. Not three seats, simply,
according to the needs of your party; but nearly five seats, for
extra comfort. You managed it on the expansive principle. Well, the
house was crowded. Compression and condensation went on all around
you; but your party held its expanded position. A white-haired old
man stood at the head of your seat, and looked down at the spaces
between yourself, your wife and daughter; and though you knew it,
you kept your eyes another way until he passed on. You were not
going to be incommoded for any one. Then an old lady lingered there
for a moment, and looked wistfully along the seat. Your daughter
whispered, "Father, we can make room for her." And you answered:
"Let her find another seat; I don't wish to be crowded." Thus
repressing good impulses in your child, and teaching her to be
selfish and unlady-like. The evening's entertainment began, and you
sat quite at ease, for an hour and a half, while many were standing
in the aisles. Sir, there was not even the gentleman in form here;
much less the gentleman from naturally kind feelings. As to
Christian principle, we will not take that into account. Do you
remember what you said as you moved through the aisles to the door?
"No."
A friend remarked that he had been obliged to stand all the evening,
and you replied:
"We had it comfortable enough. I always manage that, in public
places.
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