My persevering efforts of the last few months towards the acquisition of
convivial habits appeared this evening to be receiving their reward. The
O'Kelly's sweet champagne I had drunk with less dislike than hitherto; a
white, syrupy sort of stuff, out of a fat and artistic-looking bottle,
I had found distinctly grateful to the palate. Dimly the quotation about
taking things at the flood, and so getting on quickly, floated through
my brain, coupled with another one about fortune favouring the bold. It
had seemed to me a good occasion to try for the second time in my life
a full flavoured cigar. I had selected with the caution of a connoisseur
one of mottled green complexion from the O'Kelly's largest box. And so
far all had gone well. An easy self-confidence, delightful by reason of
its novelty, had replaced my customary shyness; a sense of lightness--of
positive airiness, emanating from myself, pervaded all things. Tossing
off another glass of the champagne, I rose to reply.

Modesty in my present mood would have been affectation. To such dear and
well-beloved friends I had no hesitation in admitting the truth, that I
was a clever fellow--a damned clever fellow. I knew it, they knew it, in
a short time everybody would know it. But they need not fear that in
the hour of my pride, when it arrived, I should prove ungrateful. Never
should I forget their kindness to me, a lonely young man, alone in a
lonely--Here the pathos of my own situation overcame me; words seemed
weak. "Jarman--" I meant, putting my hand upon his head, to have blessed
him for his goodness to me; but he being not exactly where he looked to
be, I just missed him, and sat down on the edge of my chair, which was a
hard one. I had not intended this to be the end of my speech, by a long
one; but Jarman, whispering to me: "Ended at exactly the right moment;
shows the born orator," strong inclination to remain seated, now that I
was down seconding his counsel, and the company being clearly satisfied,
I decided to leave things where they were.

A delightful dreaminess was stealing over me. Everything and everybody
appeared to be a long way off, but, whether because of this or in
spite of it, exceedingly attractive. Never had I noticed the Signora
so bewitching; in a motherly sort of way even the third floor front was
good to look upon; Mrs. Peedles I could almost have believed to be the
real Flora MacDonald sitting in front of me. But the vision of Miss
Ros