“ Truly I do not know, ” said Lydia, puzzled; “ unless it be that your colleagues have failed to recommend themselves to society by their extra-professional conduct as the others have. ”
“ I grant you that fighting men ar ’ n ’ t gentlemen, as a rule. No more were painters, or poets, once upon a time. But what I want to know is this: Supposing a fighting man has as good manners as your friends, and is as well born, why shouldn ’ t he mix with them and be considered their equal? ”
“ The distinction seems arbitrary, I confess. But perhaps the true remedy would be to exclude the vivisectors and soldiers, instead of admitting the prize-fighters. Mr. Cashel Byron, ” added Lydia, changing her manner, “ I cannot discuss this with you. Society has a prejudice against you. I share it; and I canno
