Many people are inclined to think that the word "gentleman" means a
man who was born rich, and that a boy brought up at expensive schools
and colleges must therefore be a gentleman when he has grown up. But
this does not always follow.
A fellow who is lucky enough to have been brought up in that way has
certainly better chances of being a gentleman than many a poor boy
has; but at the same time a poor boy can be just as good a gentleman
as a rich one.
A gentleman is what the word says; he is a man, but a gentle man, not
a rough, bullying, coarse customer, but a fellow who, though big and
strong, can be kind and chivalrous and helpful to other people.
As good a sample as any of a "gentleman" is the London policeman. He
is at all times courteous and helpful to others, even to the extent of
being ready to risk his life at any moment to save people in cases of
accidents, or to protect them against rough handling, and he treats
rich and poor, old and young, with equal attention and patience, and
good humour.
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