Behnes, I don't know: I
have not seen the newspapers!" Poor Behnes, with many excellent
qualities and much real talent, was one of the many men who
entirely missed their way in life through want of tact.
Such is the power of manner, combined with tact, that Wilkes, one
of the ugliest of men, used to say, that in winning the graces of
a lady, there was not more than three days' difference between him
and the handsomest man in England.
But this reference to Wilkes reminds us that too much importance
must not be attached to manner, for it does not afford any genuine
test of character. The well-mannered man may, like Wilkes, be
merely acting a part, and that for an immoral purpose. Manner,
like other fine arts, gives pleasure, and is exceedingly agreeable
to look upon; but it may be assumed as a disguise, as men "assume
a virtue though they have it not." It is but the exterior sign of
good conduct, but may be no more than skin-deep. The most highly-
polished person may be thoroughly depraved in heart; and his
superfine manners may, after all, only consist in pleasing
gestures and in fine phrases.
On the other hand, it must be acknowledged that some of the
richest and most generous natures have been wanting in the graces
of courtesy and politeness. As a rough rind sometimes covers the
sweetest fruit, so a rough exterior often conceals a kindly and
hearty nature.
Pages:
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324