Fox was engaged at the time in counting out gold.

The tradesman asked to be paid from the money before him.

"No," said Fox, "I owe this money to Sheridan; it is a debt of honour; if any accident happened to me, he would have nothing to show." "Then," said the tradesman, "I change MY debt into one of honour;" and he tore up the note.

Fox was conquered by the act: he thanked the man for his confidence, and paid him, saying, "Then Sheridan must wait; yours is the debt of older standing." The man of character is conscientious.

He puts his conscience into his work, into his words, into his every action.