36 Elementary Morality-

been groaning and travailing together until now. He is an
ideal. He shows what may be done in the way of good breed-
ing, health, looks, temper and fortune. He realises men's
dreams of themselves, at any rate vicariously. He preaches
the gospel of grace. The world is like a spoilt child, it has
this good thing given it at great expense and then says it is
useless!

Science and Religion

These are reconciled in amiable and sensible people but
nowhere else.

Gentleman

If we are asked what is the most essential characteristic
that underlies this word, the word itself will guide us to
gentleness, to absence of such things as brow-beating, over-
bearing manners and fuss, and generally to consideration for
other people.

The Finest Men

I suppose an Italian peasant or a Breton, Norman or
English fisherman, is about the best thing nature does in
the way of men—the richer and the poorer being alike mis-
takes.

On being a Swell all Round

I have never in my life succeeded in being this. Some-
times I get a new suit and am tidy for a while in part, mean-
while the hat, tie, boots, gloves and underclothing all clamour
for attention and, before I have got them well in hand, the
new suit has lost its freshness. Still, if ever I do get any
money, I will try and make myself really spruce all round
till I find out, as I probably shall in about a week, that if
I give my clothes an inch they will take an ell. [1880.]

Money

is the last enemy that shall never be subdued. While there
is flesh there is money—or the want of money; but money
is always on the brain so long as there is a brain in reasonable
order.