But that's no reason why you should make a regular all-round ass of yourself in the way you're doing." I looked up inquiringly.

"I don't quite understand," I said, meekly.
"Well, I suppose you don't exactly imagine you've anything to be proud of over last night's performances ?" said he.
"No, I was ashamed of myself for that," I said.
"Humph! I suppose you'd come again to-night and do the same thing if I asked you ?" I hesitated.

"I don't think--" I began, but there pulled up.

I knew well enough I _would_ go if he asked me.
"Of course you would," said he; "you'd go anywhere.

Just because a fellow a peg above you asks you, _you'll_ go and make a fool of yourself and risk every chance you've got, because you've not the pluck to make yourself disagreeable!" How true it all was! Yet why had I never seen it before?
"I'm afraid--I'm sure you're right," I said.
"I don't flatter myself," went on Doubleday, beginning on a new quill, "I'm very particular.