You must
ride yourself on the curb the whole time. Unless you are
sure--absolutely sure--that you can do this, you are far
best at home. You must never for one instant forget
yourself. You must remember what your object is in
being there. You must inspire respect. Be
friendly, genial, convivial--what you will--but preserve
the tone and bearing of a gentleman. If you can make
yourself respected and liked you will find every club and
society that you join a fresh introduction to practice.
But beware of drink! Above everything, beware of drink!
The company that you are in may condone it in each other,
but never in the man who wishes them to commit their
lives to his safe keeping. A slip is fatal--a half slip
perilous. Make your rule of life and go by it, in spite
of challenge or coaxers. It will be remembered in your
favour next morning.
And of course I do not mean merely festive societies.
Literary, debating, political, social, athletic, every
one of them is a tool to your hands. But you must show
them what a good man you are. You must throw yourself
into each with energy and conviction. You will soon find
yourself on the committee--possibly the secretary, or
even in the presidential chair. Do not grudge labour
where the return may be remote and indirect. Those are
the rungs up which one climbs.
That was how, when I had gained some sort of opening,
I set to work to enlarge it.
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