those who petulantly claim attention; and the worst error of all
consists in mistaking the gentle pleasures of life, such as society
and intercourse, for the duties of life, and of codifying and
formalizing them. For myself, I wish with all my heart that I had
Perry's power; I wish that those throngs of young men would feel
impelled to come in and talk to me, easily and simply. I have, it
is true, several faithful friends, but very few of them will come
except in response to a definite invitation; and really, if they do
not want to come, I do not at all wish to force them to do so. It
might amuse me; but if it amused them, they would come: as they do
not come, I am quite ready to conclude that it does not amuse them.
I am as conscious as every one else of the exquisitely stimulating
and entertaining character of my own talk; it constantly pains me
that so few people take advantage of their opportunities of
visiting the healing fount. But the fact is incontestable that my
talents are not appreciated at their right value; and I must be
content with such slender encouragement as I receive. In vain do I
purchase choice brands of cigars and cigarettes, and load my side-
table with the best Scotch whisky. Not eyen with that solace will
the vagrant undergraduate consent to be douched under the stream of
my suggestive conversation.

A humorous friend of mine, Tipton by name, an official of a
neighbouring college, told me that he held receptions of
undergraduates on Sunday evenings. I believe that he is in reality
a model host, full of resource and sprightliness, and that
admission to his entertainments is eagerly coveted. But it pleases
him to depreciate his own success. "Oh, yes," he said, in answer to
my questions as to the art he practised, "a few of them come; one
or two because they like me; some because they, think there is