ppeared confused and went their way. It began to dawn upon
him that mankind was less discerning than he had feared. Gaining courage
as he proceeded, he reached Holborn. Here the larger crowd swept around
him indifferent.

"I beg your pardon," said Johnny, coming into collision with a stout
gentleman.

"My fault," replied the stout gentleman, as, smiling, he picked up his
damaged hat.

"I beg your pardon," repeated Johnny again two minutes later, colliding
with a tall young lady.

"Should advise you to take something for that squint of yours," remarked
the tall young lady with severity.

"What's the matter with me?" thought Johnny. "Seems to be a sort of
mist--" The explanation flashed across him. "Of course," said Johnny to
himself, "it's this confounded veil!"

Johnny decided to walk to the Marble Soap offices. "I'll be more used to
the hang of things by the time I get there if I walk," thought Johnny.
"Hope the old beggar's in."

In Newgate Street, Johnny paused and pressed his hands against his chest.
"Funny sort of pain I've got," thought Johnny. "Wonder if I should shock
them if I went in somewhere for a drop of brandy?"

"It don't get any better," reflected Johnny, with some alarm, on reaching
the corner of Cheapside. "Hope I'm not going to be ill. Whatever--" The
explanation came to him. "Of course, it's these damned stays! No wonder
girls are short-tempered, at times."

At the offices of the Marble Soap, Johnny was treated with marked
courtesy. Mr. Jowett was out, was not expected back till five o'clock.
Would the lady wait, or would she call again? The lady decided, now she
was there, to wait. Would the lady take the easy-chair? Would the lady
have the window open or would she have it shut? Had the lady seen _The
Times_?

"Or the _Ha'penny Joker_?" suggested a junior clerk, who thereupon was
promptly sent back to his work.

Many of the senior clerks had occasion to pass through the waiting-room.
Two of the senior clerks held views about the weather which they appeared
wishful to express at length. Johnny began to enjoy himself. This thing
was going to be good fun. By the time the slamming of doors and the
hurrying of feet announced the advent of the chief, Johnny was looking
forward to his interview.

It was briefer and less satisfactory than he had anticipated. Mr. Jowett
was very busy--did not as a rule see anybody in the afternoon; but of
course, a lady--"Would Miss--"