The Beginning of a Gentleman

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Some boys were playing ball in a shady street. Among their number was a little fellow, seemingly about twelve years old—a pale, sickly looking child, supported on two crutches, and who evidently found much difficulty in walking even with such assistance. The lame boy wished to join the game, for he did not seem to see how much his infirmity would be in his way, nor how much it would hinder the progress of such an active sport. “Why, Jimmie,” said one, “you cannot run, you know.” “Oh, hush!” said another, the tallest in the party, “Never mind, I will run for him”; and he took his place by Jimmie’s side, preparing to act. “If you were lame like him,” he said to the other boys, “you would not want to be told of it all the time.” There was the beginning of a true gentleman.

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