“I am by nature extremely susceptible of street affronts; the jeers and taunts of the populace; the low-bred triumph they display over the casual trip, or splashed stocking, of a gentleman.”

I used to be so quick to take offence at any stumble or splash that my own pride felt like a sore foot. Yet seeing that young fellow with his soot-stained face and red eyes, laughing without malice, made me see how silly I was to let such trifles bruise my spirit. We are all too ready to be offended by the clumsy steps of others when our own hearts might need just a little more warmth.