Be an honest tradesman, as I have been." "And as I trust always to be.

But that is only my calling, not me.
I--John Halifax--am just the same, whether in the tan-yard or Dr.
Jessop's drawing-room.

The one position cannot degrade, nor the other elevate, me.

I should not 'respect myself' if I believed otherwise." "Eh ?"--my father absolutely dropped his pipe in amazement.

"Then, thee thinkest thyself already quite a gentleman ?" "As I told you before, sir--I hope I am." "Fit to associate with the finest folk in the land ?" "If they desire it, and I choose it, certainly." Now, Abel Fletcher, like all honest men, liked honesty; and something in John's bold spirit, and free bright eye, seemed to-day to strike him more than ordinarily.
"Lad, lad, thee art young.