But there were traits of character in which he
fell off a little, even in the estimation of those whose pursuits
endeared him to them. He could not refrain from boasting,--and
especially from boasting about women. His desire for glory in that
direction knew no bounds, and he would sometimes mention names,
and bring himself into trouble. It was told of him that at one
period of his life, when misfortune had almost overcome him, when
sorrow had produced prostration, and prostration some expression
of truth, he had owned to a friend his own conviction that could
he have kept his tongue from talking of women, he might have risen
to prosperity in his profession. From these misfortunes he had
emerged, and, no doubt, had often reflected on what he himself had
then said. But we know that the drunkard, though he hates
drunkenness, cannot but drink,--that the gambler cannot keep from
the dice. Major Tifto still lied about women, and could not keep
his tongue from the subject. He would boast, too, about other
matters,--much to his own disadvantage.
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