They were most of them well-to-do men, such as go by the name of
gentlemen so far as their dress and appearance went but when it came
to the true test of a gentleman, that is, the feeling of chivalry and
politeness to women, the only gentleman among them was a working boy,
a lad of about fifteen, in dirty clothes, with dirty hands and face.
When he saw a woman standing he at once left his seat and beckoned her
into it. I hope that some of his so-called betters had the good sense
to feel ashamed at being taught manners by a working boy. Perhaps he
was a Scout. At any rate, he acted as a Scout would in the same
circumstances.
* * * * *
WHAT IS A GENTLEMAN?
Many people are inclined to think that the word "gentleman" means a
man who was born rich, and that a boy brought up at expensive schools
and colleges must therefore be a gentleman when he has grown up. But
this does not always follow.
A fellow who is lucky enough to have been brought up in that way has
certainly better chances of being a gentleman than many a poor boy
has; but at the same time a poor boy can be just as good a gentleman
as a rich one.
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