So much in praise of Major Tifto honesty has compelled the present
chronicler to say. But there were traits of character in which he
fell off a little, even in the estimation of those whose pursuits
endeared him to them. He could not refrain from boasting,--and
especially from boasting about women. His desire for glory in that
direction knew no bounds, and he would sometimes mention names,
and bring himself into trouble. It was told of him that at one
period of his life, when misfortune had almost overcome him, when
sorrow had produced prostration, and prostration some expression
of truth, he had owned to a friend his own conviction that could
he have kept his tongue from talking of women, he might have risen
to prosperity in his profession. From these misfortunes he had
emerged, and, no doubt, had often reflected on what he himself had
then said. But we know that the drunkard, though he hates
drunkenness, cannot but drink,--that the gambler cannot keep from
the dice. Major Tifto still lied about women, and could not keep
his tongue from the subject. He would boast, too, about other
matters,--much to his own disadvantage. He was, too, very 'deep',
and some men, who could put up with his other failings, could not
endure that. Whatever he wanted to do he would attempt round three
corners. Though he could ride straight, he could do nothing else
straight. He was full of mysteries. If he wanted to draw Charter
Wood he would take his hounds out of the street at Egham directly
in the other direction. If he had made up his mind to ride Lord
Pottlepot's horse for the great Leamington handicap, he would be
sure to tell even his intimate friends that he was almost
determined to take the 'baronet's' offer of a mount. This he would
do even when there was no possible turn in the betting to be
affected by such falsehood. So that his companions were apt to