SYDNEY SMITH
Reading edition
One evening when Sidney Smith was drinking tea with Mrs. Austin the servant entered the crowded room with a boiling tea-kettle in his hand. It seemed doubtful, nay, impossible, he should make his way among the numerous gossips—but on the first approach of the steaming kettle the crowd receded on all sides, Mr. Smith among the rest, though carefully watching the progress of the lad to the table.
“I declare,” said he, addressing Mrs. Austin, “a man who wishes to make his way in life could do no better than go through the world with a boiling tea-kettle in his hand.”—Life of Rev. Sydney Smith.