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102 commands the respect of all his neighbors. I said respect; perhaps that is the word, after all. But it must not be taken here in the sense of admiration, since it often happens that our village gentleman is the "best hated man" in all the country for miles around. Yet, nevertheless, his standing as a gentleman of the blood is such that he must be respected by people who are of a lower type of mortals—if not from love, then from fear. It should be kept in mind that he is a gentleman for the simple reason that he was born a gentleman, and on no other grounds can he usually claim this distinction. He is a gentleman and can't help it, and is sometimes rather to be pitied than blamed. If he wished ever so much to cut loose from the forms of ancient custom that bind him and take away his individuality, he would be helpless to do so because he is a gentleman so born. There is but one way open to him, and that is the same road which has been traveled by his ancestors for ages past, and in this way he must go or suffer the consequences. If he wants a new suit or a new hat or a pair of shoes, there is very little choice, since all these things are fixed by what men who have gone before him have done. He has no choice as to pattern and very, little as to color, since all wear the same style and color, according to rank and position in life. His hat is the same style as that worn by his servant; it will be made of finer material. Likewise his entire suit will be of the same pattern as other men's, but, if he can afford it, of finer goods. Where the common man wears cotton goods he will wear linen and silk. Some of his