Thus I have acquired a name--the housewives trust me; I have a character to support.

And my character supports me." "A good character always does so in the long run," said I.
"Well, I don't know what to say about that.

You are too young to have any authority of weight.

It must be your father's wisdom, and I am not sure it will stand the test." "I feel sure of it," said I.
'What, when you are this very moment a houseless wanderer, without having done any wrong?
How does your good character support you now ?" "For example, it has secured me your good offices," said I."You would not have given me this good turn if I had been a worthless villain." "Well, perhaps not; supposing I had known you for such--though worthless villains often escape deserved punishment, and sometimes are very plausible, and pay very well.

And sometimes not"-- reflectively.
"You seem to remember a case in point," said I, smiling.
"Well, I do," said La Croissette.