gathering roses while he might, and mixing himself in first-class English societies. [14] I am painfully aware that such incidents as the above will seem very mediocre and humdrum to most readers, but I shall request them to remember that no hero can achieve anything very striking while he is still a hobbardehoy, and that I cannot—like some popular novelists—insult their intelligences by concocting cock-and-bull occurrences which the smallest exercise of ordinary commonsense must show to be totally incredible. By and bye, when I come to deal with Mr Bhosh's experiences in the upper tenth of London society, with which I may claim to[15] have rather a profound familiarity, I will boldly undertake that there shall be no lack of excitement. [15] Therefore, have a little patience, indulgent Misters![16] [16] CHAPTER III THE INVOLUNTARY FASCINATOR Please do not pester me with unwelcome attentions, Since to respond I have no intentions! Your Charms are deserving of honourable mentions— But previous attachment compels these abstentions! An unwilling Wooed to his Wooer." Original unpublished Poem by H. B. J. An unwilling Wooed to his Wooer." MR Bhosh was very soon enabled to make his debût as a pleader, for the Mooktears sent him briefs as thick as an Autumn leaf in Vallambrosa, and, having on one occasion to prosecute a youth who had embezzled an elderly matron, Mr Bhosh's eloquence and pathos melted the jury into a flood of tears which procured the triumphant acquittal of the prisoner. But the bow of Achilles (which, as Poet Homer informs us, was his only vulnerable[17] point) must be untied occasionally, and accordingly Mr Bhosh occasionally figured as the gay dog in upper-class societies, and was not long in winning a reputation in smart circles as a champion bounder. [17] For he did greet those he met with a pleasant, obsequious affability and familiarity, which
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