A certain merchant who had risen from zero to four or five hundred thousand, was filled with the idea that he was self-made.
The idea increased until he was not only filled with it, but he overflowed so that he lost no opportunity to put his thumb in the arm-hole of his vest, throw out his chest and tell people how much patience, perseverance, energy and will power he had exerted to make himself.
He took much pleasure in smiling superior smiles at the young, striving and unsuccessful, and in relating how, unaided he had risen from an undershirt and trousers to a dress suit at dinner.
One evening the merchant was lounging in his library, smoking his perfecto and composing peans of praise to himself, when he became aware of the presence of an entity which stood before him regarding him with an amused expression of countenance.
“Who are you?” said the merchant.
“I am Circumstances; I alter cases,” said the Entity.
“Oh, indeed,” said the merchant, “do you want to see me?”
“I am forced to take cognizance of you,” replied the Entity.
“Well, but what can I do for you? What is your business with me?” asked the merchant.
“You can do nothing for me,” replied the Entity; “but I can do much for you and have done much.”