282 FAREWELL TO FLIPPY. 



"That it might be some delicate thing that would get 

 injured by being opened here?" suggested John, speaking 

 in the tone of a question. 



"That is a pretty good reason," said Lawrence, " but 

 that is not what I meant." 



" Then I give it up," rejoined John. 



"It would injure my credit and character for trustwor- 

 thiness and faithfulness with you," said Lawrence. " If you 

 found that I would take a thing from Flippy on certain 

 conditions, understood, and then would not observe the 

 conditions because he was no^ there to see, you could never 

 have full confidence in my faithfully fulfilling any condi- 

 tions that I should make with yow." 



John pondered somewhat thoughtfully upon this view 

 of the case, but he did not reply. Indeed, it was pretty 

 evident that there was nothing that could be very well 

 said in reply. 



Lawrence attached great importance to the idea of sus- 

 taining the character of perfect trustworthiness in the esti- 

 mation of all who knew him. He was particularly desirous 

 that John should at all times have entire confidence in 

 him. He knew, moreover, that the only sure way of mak- 

 ing all who know us believe that we are thoroughly honest 

 and true, is to be in reality thoroughly honest and true, 



