Vavasor, as he passed through the lobby to the door of the House, leaning on Mr. Bott's arm, was very silent. He had spoken but little since they had left their cab in Palace Yard, and was not very well pleased by the garrulity of his companion. He was going to sit among the first men of his nation, and to take his chance of making himself one of them. He believed in his own ability; he believed thoroughly in his own courage; but he did not believe in his own conduct. He feared that he had done,--feared still more strongly that he would be driven to do,--that which would shut men's ears against his words, and would banish him from high places. No man believes in himself who knows himself to be a rascal, however great may be his talent, or however high his pluck.
"Of course you have heard a debate?" said Mr. Bott.
"Yes," answered Vavasor, who wished to remain silent.
"Many, probably?"

Vavasor, as he passed through the lobby to the door of the House with Mr. Bott, was very silent. He was not very well pleased by the garrulity of his companion. He believed in his own ability and his own courage; but he did not believe in his own conduct. He feared that he had done - and would in future be driven to do - that which would shut men's ears against his words, and would banish him from high places. No man believes in himself who knows himself to be a rascal.
"Of course you have heard a debate?" said Mr. Bott.
"Yes," answered Vavasor.
