The answer will be that Mr.Marmaduke--being a scamp--is not a gentleman.
You would be just as completely deceived as in the other case.

No, Mr.
Lind, you might as well say that this workman of mine is a true lord or a true prince as a true gentleman.

A gentleman may be a rogue; and a knifegrinder may be a philosopher and philanthropist.

But they dont change their ranks for all that." The clergyman hesitated.

Then he said timidly, "Even admitting this peculiar view of yours, Mr.Conolly, does it not tell strongly against yourself in the present instance ?" "No; and I will presently shew you why not.