This illusion rises superior to all failures and
disappointments. It makes the smallest and simplest act seem
momentous. The world for such persons is merely a theatre of gazers
in which they discharge their part appropriately and successfully.
I know several people who have the sense very strongly, who are
conscious from morning till night, in all that they do or say, of
an admiring audience; and who, even if their circle is wholly
indifferent, find food for delight in the consciousness of how
skilfully and satisfactorily they discharge their duties. I
remember once hearing a worthy clergyman, of no particular force,
begin a speech at a missionary meeting by saying that people had
often asked him what was the secret of his smile; and that he had
always replied that he was unaware that his smile had any special
quality; but that if it indeed was so, and it would be idle to
pretend that a good many people had not noticed it, it was that he
imported a resolute cheerfulness into all that he did. The man, as
I have said, was not in any way distinguished, but there can be no
doubt that the thought of his heavenly smile was a very sustaining
one, and that the sense of responsibility that the possession of
such a characteristic gave him, undoubtedly made him endeavour to
smile like the Cheshire Cat, when he did not feel particularly
cheerful.
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