Tommy.—That is indeed true; for I have seen my mother's visitors sitting over the largest fire that could be made, and complaining of cold, while the labourers out of doors were stripped to their shirts to work, and never minded it in the least.
Harry.—Then I should think that exercise, by which a person can warm himself when he pleases, is an infinitely better thing than all these conveniences you speak of; because, after all, they will not hinder a person from being cold, but exercise will warm him in an instant.
Tommy.—But then it is not proper for gentlemen to do the same kind of work with the common people.
Harry.—But is it not proper for a gentleman to have his body stout and hardy?
Tommy.—To be sure it is.
Harry.—Why, then, he must sometimes labour and use his limbs, or else he will never be able to do it.
Tommy.—What! cannot a person be strong without working?
Harry.—You can judge for yourself. You very often have fine young gentlemen at your father's house, and are any of them as strong as the sons of
the farmers in the neighbourhood, who are always used to handle a hoe, a spade, a fork, and other tools?
Tommy.—Indeed, I believe that is true, for I think I am become stronger myself since I have learned to divert myself in Mr Barlow's garden.