Why did he confuse Mr. Gessler for his elder brother?

Question

Literature. Can't find answer.  

Answer 1

In the short story "Quality" by John Galsworthy, people could confuse Mr. Gessler for his elder brother because they looked alike, except that his elder brother had lighter skin.  

 

It can be difficult to fully understand this short story because of the German accent that is used.  I have always found that if you say the words out loud and slowly, they will make sense and sound like some English words.  For example, when the narrator says, "Mr. Gessler, that last pair of boots creaked, you know." Mr. Gessler then said, "Zend dem back! I will look at dem."..."Zome boods, are bad from birdt. If I can do noding wid dem, I dake dem off your bill." (Interpretation:  "Send them back! I will look at them."...Some boots, are bad from birth.  If I can do nothing with them, I take them off your bill.")