You get truth habitually from equals only; so my
good Mr. Holyshade, don't talk to me about the habitual candor of the
young Etonian of high birth, or I have my own opinion of YOUR candor or
discernment when you do. No. Tom Bowling is the soul of honor and has
been true to Black-eyed Syousan since the last time they parted at
Wapping Old Stairs; but do you suppose Tom is perfectly frank, familiar,
and aboveboard in his conversation with Admiral Nelson, K.C.B.? There
are secrets, prevarications, fibs, if you will, between Tom and the
Admiral--between your crew and THEIR captain. I know I hire a worthy,
clean, agreeable, and conscientious male or female hypocrite, at so many
guineas a year, to do so and so for me. Were he other than hypocrite
I would send him about his business. Don't let my displeasure be too
fierce with him for a fib or two on his own account.
Some dozen years ago, my family being absent in a distant part of the
country, and my business detaining me in London, I remained in my own
house with three servants on board wages. I used only to breakfast at
home; and future ages will be interested to know that this meal used
to consist, at that period, of tea, a penny roll, a pat of butter,
and, perhaps, an egg.
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