On gaining the door, he encountered a gentleman--a perfect stranger to him--who was accidentally leaving the office exactly at the same time as himself.

A momentary contest of politeness ensued between them as to who should be the first to pass through the door of the bank.

The stranger insisted on making Mr.Godfrey precede him; Mr.Godfrey said a few civil words; they bowed, and parted in the street.
Thoughtless and superficial people may say, Here is surely a very trumpery little incident related in an absurdly circumstantial manner.
Oh, my young friends and fellow-sinners! beware of presuming to exercise your poor carnal reason.

Oh, be morally tidy.

Let your faith be as your stockings, and your stockings as your faith.