Not to
listen is not merely a want of politeness, it is a mark of disrespect.
Canalis pushed this habit too far; for he often forgot to answer a
speech which required an answer, and passed, without the ordinary
transitions of courtesy, to the subject, whatever it was, that
preoccupied him. Though such impertinence is accepted without protest
from a man of marked distinction, it stirs a leaven of hatred and
vengeance in many hearts; in those of equals it even goes so far as to
destroy a friendship. If by chance Melchior was forced to listen, he
fell into another fault; he merely lent his attention, and never gave
it. Though this may not be so mortifying, it shows a kind of
semi-concession which is almost as unsatisfactory to the hearer and
leaves him dissatisfied. Nothing brings more profit in the commerce of
society than the small change of attention. He that heareth let him
hear, is not only a gospel precept, it is an excellent speculation;
follow it, and all will be forgiven you, even vice. Canalis took a
great deal of trouble in his anxiety to please Modeste; but though he
was compliant enough with her, he fell back into his natural self with
the others.
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