and meat, so a skilful
artist will make a few simple and pleasing phrases go further than ever so much
substantial benefit-stock in the hands of a mere bungler. Nay, we know that
substantial benefits often sicken some stomachs; whereas, most will digest any
amount of fine words, and be always eager for more of the same food. Mrs. Bute
had told Briggs and Firkin so often of the depth of her affection for them, and
what she would do if she had Miss Crawley's fortune for friends so excellent and
attached, that the ladies in question had the deepest regard for her, and felt
as much gratitude and confidence as if Mrs. Bute had loaded them with the most
expensive favours.
    Rawdon Crawley, on the other hand, like a selfish heavy dragoon as he was,
never took the least trouble to conciliate his aunt's aides-de-camp - showed his
contempt for the pair with entire frankness - made Firkin pull off his boots on
one occasion, sent her out in the rain on ignominious messages, and if he gave
her a guinea, flung it to her as if it were a box on the ear. As his aunt, too,
made a butt of Briggs, the Captain followed the example, and levelled his jokes
at her - jokes about as delicate as a kick from his charger. Whereas, Mrs. Bute
consulted her in matters of taste or difficulty, admired her poetry, and by a
thousand acts of kindness and politeness showed her appreciation of Briggs; and
if she made Firkin a twopence-halfpenny present, accompanied it with so many
compliments that the twopence-halfpenny was transmuted info gold in the heart of
the grateful waiting-maid, who, besides, was looking forwards quite contentedly
to some prodigious benefit which must happen to her on the day when Mrs. Bute
came into her fortune.
    The different conduct of these two people is pointed out respectfully to the
attention of persons commencing the world. Praise everybody, I say to such;
never be squeamish, but speak out your compliment both point-blank in a man's
face, and behind his back, when you know there is a reasonable chance of his
hearing it again. Never lose a chance of saying a kind word. As Collingwood
never saw a vacant place in his estate but he took an acorn out of his pocket
and popped it in; so deal with your compliments through life. An acorn costs
nothing, but it may sprout into a prodigious bit of timber.
    In a word, during Rawdon Crawley's prosperity, he was only obeyed