Ingratitude was condemned in it, the sinfulness of pride was pointed out--together with the proverbial fact that it "goes before a fall." There were also some sound remarks as to the danger of nonsensical notions and the disadvantages of a quick temper.

It sets one's best friends against one.

"And if anybody ever wanted friends in the world it's you, my girl." Even respect for parental authority was invoked.

"In the first hour of his trouble your father wrote to me to take care of you--don't forget it.

Yes, to me, just a plain man, rather than to any of his fine West-End friends.