Who is the Better Friend of Man?
Gossip, whether true or untrue, is very often a good touchstone of friendship. The attitude in which gossip is received will give a cue to loyalty or disloyalty. Suppose, for example, a man has done something wrong (just "suppose," course!). Take the tale of his error to a man who is known as one of his best friends. He will discuss it with you in detail and end up by saying, Well, it's a pity. But, still, I am not surprised." He does not wait for confirmation. He would alter his opinion, of course, if fresh facts were presented to him. But meanwhile he accepts the revelations as true and does not, even so much as by the tone of his voice, express a doubt of conviction.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.