mustn't mind it!"

In the evening there was a garden party and the leadsman was
present, but his pleasure was gone; he had been laughed at, and he
had grown small in his own estimation, smaller than the fool, who
had made quite a hit as a jester. Therefore he was despondent,
felt uneasy at the thought of the future and doubtful of his own
capability. And wherever he went he met the fool who was caricaturing
him. He saw his faults enlarged, especially his pride and his
boastfulness; all his secret thoughts and weaknesses were made
public.

For three painful hours he examined the account book of his
conscience; what no man had dared to tell him before, the fool had
told him. Perfect knowledge of oneself is a splendid thing, Socrates
calls it the highest of all goods. Towards the end of the evening
the leadsman had conquered himself, admitted his faults, and resolved
to turn over a new leaf.

As he was passing a group of people he heard a voice behind a hedge
saying:--

"It's extraordinary, how the leadsman has improved. He's really
quite a delightful fellow!"

These words did him good; but what pleased him more than anything
else were a few whispered words from his sweetheart.

"You are so nice to-night," she said, "that you look quite handsome."