others you'll have to mind, and it is that folk must continually
strain to advance in order to remain where they are: and you
particularly. But as for trying too hard, I wouldn't do it. Much
lies in minding this, that your best plan for lightness of heart is to
raise yourself a little higher than your old mates, but not so high as
to be quite out of their reach. All human beings enjoy themselves
from the outside, and so getting on a little has this good in it, you
still keep in your old class where your feelings are, and are
thoughtfully treated by this class: while by getting on too much you
are sneered at by your new acquaintance, who don't know the skill of
your rise, and you are parted from and forgot by the old ones who do.
Whatever happens, don't be too quick to feel. You will surely get
some hard blows when you are found out, for if the great can find no
excuse for hitting with a mind, they'll do it and say 'twas in fun.
But you are young and healthy, and youth and health are power. I wish
I could have a decent footman here with me, but I suppose it is no use
trying. It is such men as these that provoke the contempt we get.
Well, thank God a few years will see the end of me, for I am growing
ashamed of my company--so different as they are to the servants of old
times.--Your affectionate father, R. CHICKEREL.

'P.S.--Do not press Lady Petherwin any further to remove the rules on
which you live with her. She is quite right: she cannot keep us, and
to recognize us would do you no good, nor us either. We are content
to see you secretly, since it is best for you.'




8. CHRISTOPHER'S LODGINGS--THE GROUNDS ABOUT ROOKINGTON