of mud all over the sleeve of my coat. So I said, "Why, Master
Sam, you need not have done that; I did nothing to offend you; and
however amusing you may think it to insult poor people, I assure
you it is very wicked, and what no good person in the world would
be guilty of." He then set up a great rude laugh, and I walked on
and said no more. But if all gentlefolk were to behave like that
family, I had rather be poor as I am, than have all their riches,
if that would make me act like them.' 'Very true, Abraham,'
replied his wife, 'that is what I say, and what I told Master
George this morning; for to be poor, if people do not become so
through their own extravagance, is no disgrace to any body: but
to be haughty, cruel, cross, and mischievous, is a disgrace to all
who are so, let their rank be as exalted as it may.'

Here the conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a man,
who begged Mr. Flood to assist him in unloading his cart of flour,
as his man was gone out, and he could not do it by himself.
'Well, I will come and help you, with all my heart,' said Flood;
'and so shall Tom too: will you, my lad? I cannot live without
help myself; and if I do not assist others, I am sure I shall not
deserve any when I want it.' So saying, he left his house; and
his wife, after cleaning and putting in their proper places those
things which had been used at dinner, again sat down to her
sewing.

Soon after the clock had struck six, the man and his son returned;
and, sitting round the fire, they passed the evening in social
conversation, till they went to bed, which was a little after
eight; and they convinced me, by their talk and behaviour, that
happiness in this world depends far more upon the temper and