The Amateur Gentleman

"And is your life so easy?" inquired Barnabas, eyeing the very small

Chapman's very large pack.

"Why, to be sure theer's easier," the Chapman admitted, scratching

his ear and frowning; "but then," and here his brow cleared again,

"I've only got this one single suit of clothes to bother my 'ead over,

which, being wore out as you can see, don't bother me at all."

"Then are you satisfied to be as you are?"

"Well," answered the Chapman, clinking the five shillings in his

pocket, "I aren't one to grumble at fate, nor yet growl at fortun'."

"Why, then," said Barnabas, "I wish you good morning."

"Good morning, young sir, and remember now, if you should ever feel

like being a gentleman--it's quite easy--all as you've got to do is

to read the instructions in that theer priceless wollum--mark

'em--learn 'em, and inwardly di-gest 'em, and you'll be a gentleman

afore you know it."

Now hereupon Barnabas smiled, a very pleasant smile and radiant with

youth, whereat the Chapman's pinched features softened for pure good

fellowship, and for the moment he almost wished that he had charged

less for the "priceless wollum," as, so smiling, Barnabas turned and

strode away, London-wards.