If in
trade, inform them you have something very handsome in the three per
cents., and live on terms of perfect familiarity with the great Jew.
Honesty is the best and most profitable policy in the long run, but
there are a thousand exceptions to this rule in private practice.
Do no charity by stealth; it is never repaid in this world to any
advantage; do it openly, and there are chances of its returning cent per
cent.
You may keep a running horse, or two, though you are a magistrate sworn
to put down gambling: you need not bet upon the race-course yourself.
You may subscribe to Fishmongers' Hall, and go there without throwing
the dice. You may share the profits of a _roulette_ table, without
venturing your luck. It is strange that vulgar understandings cannot
discriminate in these matters!
When you have made up your mind finally to do any thing, ask the advice
of your friend about it. The act of consultation will please him, and
you will be none the worse.
Human happiness is more or less complete in a ratio with successful
pecuniary accumulation.
If you enter a drawing-room before dinner a little time too early, and
find yourself _vis-a-vis_ with an unlucky visiter as forlorn as
yourself, do not utter a word. The chances are, nine out of ten, he will
not speak first, that is, if he be a true Briton.
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