He had his arm about
her and kept gently patting her on the shoulder. I think
Bazin was right, and he was really married. Of how few
people can the same be said!
Little did the Bazins know how much they served us. We
were charged for candles, for food and drink, and for the
beds we slept in. But there was nothing in the bill for
the husband's pleasant talk; nor for the pretty spectacle
of their married life. And there was yet another item
uncharged. For these people's, politeness really set us up
again in our own esteem. We had a thirst for
consideration; the sense of insult was still hot in our
spirits; and civil usage seemed to restore us to our
position in the world.
How little we pay our way in life! Although we have our
purses continually in our hand, the better part of service
goes still unrewarded. But I like to fancy that a grateful
spirit gives as good as it gets. Perhaps the Bazins knew
how much I liked them? perhaps they, also, were healed of
some slights by the thanks that I gave them in my manner?
*
No art, it may be said, was ever perfect, and not many
noble, that has not been mirthfully conceived. And no man,
it may be added, was ever anything but a wet blanket and a
cross to his companions who boasted not a copious spirit of
enjoyment.
*
There is yet another class who do not depend on corporal
advantages, but support the winter in virtue of a brave and
merry heart.
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