“And you consider yourself a young gentleman now, do you?”
“That is the rank I hold in society,” said Tony, calmly.
And you forget that you were once Tony the Tramp?”
“No, Rudolph, I have not forgotten that. It was not my fault, and I am not ashamed of it. But I should be ashamed if I had not left that kind of life as soon as I was able.”
“By Heaven, you shall go back to it!” said Rudolph, malignantly.
I never will,” answered Tony, gently, but firmly.
I will force you to it.”
“Neither you nor anyone else can force me to it. I will black boots in the streets first.”
“That will suit me just as well,” said the tramp, laughing maliciously. “You have grown too proud. I want to lower your pride, young popinjay!”
“I am not afraid of anything you can do to me, Rudolph,” said Tony, bravely.