ot a trace or a clew to my former
condition being in any respect discoverable. Now, with this one
paramount object before me, all my endeavors were gradually to conform,
so far as might be, all my modes of thought and action to that sphere
wherein yet I should move; to learn, one by one, the usages of gentle
blood, so that, when my hour came I should step into my position ready
suited to all its requirements and equal to all its demands. If this
explanation does not make clear the reasons of my generosity, and my
other motives of honorable conduct, I am sorry for it, for I have none
other to offer.

I have said that I retired from my interview with Sir Dudley not at all
satisfied with the result. Indeed, as I pondered over it, I could
not help feeling that gentlemen must dislike any traits of high and
honorable motives in persons of my own station, as though they were
assuming the air of their betters. What could rags have in common with
generous impulses; how could poverty and hunger ever consort with high
sentiments or noble aspirations? They forgive us, thought I, when we
mimic their dress and pantomime their demeanor, because we only make
_ourselves_ ridiculous by the imitation; but when we would assume the
features that regulate their own social intercourse, they hate us, as
though we sullied with our impure touch the virtues of a higher class of
beings.

The more I thought over this subject, the more strongly was I satisfied
that I was correct in my judgment; and, sooth to say, the less did I
respect that condition in life which could deem any man too poor to be
high-minded.

Sir Dudley's anticipations were all correct. The following evening at
sunset the great headlands of the south of Ireland were seen, at first
clear, and at last like hazy fogbanks; while our light vessel scudded
along, her prow pointing to where the sun had just set behind the
horizon; and then did I learn that we were bound for North America.

Our voyage for some weeks was undistinguished by any feature of unusual
character. The weather was uniformly fine; steady breezes from the
northeast, with a clear sky and a calm sea, followed us as we went, so
that, in the pleasant monotony of our lives, one day exactly resembled
another. It will, therefore, suffice if, in a few words, I tell how
the hours were passed. Sir Dudley came on deck after breakfast, when I
spread out a large white bear's skin for him to lie upon; reclined
on which, and wi