By simply allowing the
trial and sentence of Felix to take their course, he would, to all
appearance, strengthen the possibility that by marriage to Esther his
position shall be maintained, with the further joy of having that "white
new-winged dove" thenceforth by his side. He comes forward as witness on
behalf of Felix, and gives his evidence fairly, truly, and in such guise
as makes it tell most favourably for the accused, and at the same time
against himself; and, last and most touching of all, it is after he knows
the full depth of the humiliation in which his mother's sin has for life
involved him, that his first exhibition of tenderness, sympathy, and
confidence towards that poor stricken heart and blighted life comes
forth. How comes it that this "well-tanned man of the world" thus always
chooses the higher and more difficult right; and does this in no
excitement or enthusiasm, but coolly, calculatingly, with clear
forecasting of all the consequences, and fairly entitled to assume that
these shall be to his own peril or detriment?
We cannot assign this seeming anomaly to that undefinable something
called the instinct of the gentleman, {29} so specially recognised in the
elder and younger Debarry, as a reality and power in life.
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