In this labour he again spent about four years, during which time he
gathered much knowledge of human nature, learning especially to
judge it from no stand-point of his own, but in every individual
case to take a new position whence the nature and history of the man
should appear in true relation to the yet uncompleted result. He
who cannot feel the humanity of his neighbour because he is
different from himself in education, habits, opinions, morals,
circumstances, objects, is unfit, if not unworthy, to aid him.
Within this period Shargar had gone out to India, where he had
distinguished himself particularly on a certain harassing march.
Towards the close of the four years he had leave of absence, and
was on his way home. About the same time Robert, in consequence of
a fever brought on by over-fatigue, was in much need of a holiday;
and Dr. Anderson proposed that he should meet Moray at Southampton.
Shargar had no expectation of seeing him, and his delight, not
greater on that account, broke out more wildly. No thinnest film
had grown over his heart, though in all else he was considerably
changed. The army had done everything that was wanted for his
outward show of man. The drawling walk had vanished, and a firm
step and soldierly stride had taken its place; his bearing was free,
yet dignified; his high descent came out in the ease of his carriage
and manners: there could be no doubt that at last Shargar was a
gentleman.
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