There may be much more than we infer, at the moment,
from the modulated voices, which sweetens casual intercourse, but
there are certain terms of respect, almost unknown to us, which
more obviously do that effect. It is a pity that democracy, being
the fine thing it essentially is, should behave so rudely. Must
we come to family government, in order to be filial or fraternal
in our bearing with one another? Why should we be so blunt, so
sharp, so ironical, so brutal in our kindness?
VII
The single-mindedness of the English is beautiful. It may not
help to the instant understanding of our jokes; but then, even we
are not always joking, and it does help to put us at rest and to
make us feel safe. The Englishman may not always tell the truth,
but he makes us feel that we are not so sincere as he; perhaps
there are many sorts of sincerity. But there is something almost
caressing in the kindly pause that precedes his perception of
your meaning, and this is very pleasing after the sense of always
having your hearer instantly onto you.
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