"Not at all."
"Ah, but you do. I know my own failings."
"I wonder what they are?"
"Do not think for a moment that I have no failings! I have studied my own nature, and I have discovered them. As far as possible, I seek to remedy them. To myself I am a very ordinary sort of fellow. I know it, Jack. The man who can see no flaws in himself is an egotist, a cad, and a shallow fool! As soon as he is perfectly satisfied with himself, he ceases to progress—he deteriorates."
"That is true."
"Among my friends I see many things worthy of emulation. You, my dear Diamond, are not aware of your own fine qualities, and——"
"That will do, Merry!" cried Jack, blushing. "I
am sure that I try to be a gentleman. My father was a true Southern gentleman."
"There can be no doubt of that. You show your breeding in every way. A natural gentleman will be a gentleman under any circumstances. He carries the air about him, and nothing can disguise it."
Jack sat down.