I think it was meant as a commentary on personal integrity and sportsmanship. I first saw the quote in Irving Chernev's 1968 book _The Chess Companion_.

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<The Late Mr R. F. Fenton: March “B.C.M.” had an interesting biography of this veteran expert, and now the “Morning Post” announces his death as having occurred on 27th March, thus:— “We much regret to hear of the death of Mr R. F. Fenton, who was almost the last of the diminished professional group that formerly made the nucleus of the famous meetings at Simpson’s Divan and Purssell’s, Cornhill. At eighty, his unfailing sense of humour kept him young, and amateurs, who were always delighted by his piquant memories, as well as by his half-serious chess precepts, did not realise his great age any more than he did. He was one of the few survivors of those who saw Morphy in England fifty-eight years ago. About that time Fenton made his early successes, but rarely taking part in competitions he never reached the highest rank, and there are no great tournament victories to his credit. He was an entertaining and persistent player, and for many years was an institution of London Chess. His active interest in the game continued nearly to the last, and as a representative of the old school and a characteristic and esteemed individuality he will be sadly missed.”>

Game Collection: Birmingham 1858

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