vizier with a sack of gold for him
and the promise of a diamond ring, and the treaty was signed.

It was decided to send an ambassador to England. Mirza Berouz was
appointed, and I was chosen as his first mirza, or secretary. What
pleased me most of all was that I was sent to Ispahan to raise part of
the money for the presents to be taken to England. Hajji Baba, the
barber's son, entered his native place as Mirza Hajji Baba, the Shah's
deputy, with all the parade of a man of consequence, and on a mission
that gave him unbounded opportunity of enriching himself. I found
myself, after all my misfortunes, at the summit of what, in my Persian
eyes, was perfect human bliss.

* * * * *

DAVID CHRISTIE MURRAY

The Way of the World

David Christie Murray was born at West Bromwich, England,
April 13, 1847, and began his journalistic career at
Birmingham. In 1873 he moved to London and joined the staff of
the "Daily News" and in 1878 he was correspondent of the
"Times" and the "Scotsman" in the Russo-Turkish war. He now
began to transfer his abundant experience of life to the pages
of fiction. His first novel, "A Life's Atonement," was
published in 1880, and was followed a year later by "Joseph's
Coat." In "The Way of the World," published in 1884, his art
as a story-teller and his keen observation of men and manners
were displayed as strikingly as in any of his later works--
several of which were written in collaboration with other
authors. Altogether he produced over thirty volumes of short
stories and novels single-handed. At the end of last century
he emerged from his literary seclusion in Wales and became
active in current affairs; he was one of the leading English
champions of Dreyfus, and obtained the warm friendship of
Emile Zola. He died on August 1, 1907.

_I.--The Upstart_

Your sympathies are requested for Mr. Bolsover Kimberley, a gentleman
embarrassed beyond measure.

Mr. Kimberley was thirty-five years of age. He was meek, and had no
features to speak of. His hair was unassuming, and his whiskers were too
shy to curl. He was a clerk in a solicitor's office in the town of
Gallowbay, and he seemed likely to live to the end of his days in the
pursuit of labours no more profitable or pretentious.

A cat may look at a king. A solicitor's clerk may love an earl's
daughter. I