That circumstance, ladies and gentlemen, has been a lesson to me.

Since that time I have never allowed a false impression with regard to my position to exist.

I desire," says Mel, smiling, "to have my exact measure taken everywhere; and if the Michaelmas bird is to be associated with me, I am sure I have no objection; all I can say is, that I cannot justify it by letters patent of nobility." That's how Mel put it.

Do you think they thought worse of him?
I warrant you he came out of it in flying colours.

Gentlefolks like straight-forwardness in their inferiors--that's what they do.