He did nothing of the sort--he only made a remark.
"You are young and hasty," he said.

"I may lament my friend's extravagances, without failing on that account in what is due to an old friendship.

You are probably not aware that we have no sympathy in England with Socialists." I hit him back again.

"In that case, sir, a little Socialism in England would do you no harm.

We consider it a part of our duty as Christians to feel sympathy with all men who are honest in their convictions--no matter how mistaken (in our opinion) the convictions may be." I rather thought I had him there; and I took up my hat again, to get off with the honours of victory while I had the chance.
I am sincerely ashamed of myself, Rufus, in telling you all this.
I ought to have given him back "the soft answer that turneth away wrath"-- my conduct was a disgrace to my Community.