BOOK I.

Of George.




CHAPTER I.

Excursions In A Garden.



I.

Mr. Christopher Marrapit is dozing in a chair upon the lawn; his
darling cat, the Rose of Sharon, is sleeping on his lap; stiffly
beside him sits Mrs. Major, his companion--that masterly woman.

As we approach to be introduced, it is well we should know something
of Mr. Marrapit. The nervous business of adventuring into an assembly
of strangers is considerably modified by having some knowledge of the
first we shall meet. We feel more at home; do not rush upon subjects
which are distasteful to that person, or of which he is ignorant;
absorb something of the atmosphere of the party during our exchange of
pleasantries with him; and, warmed by this feeling, with our most
attractive charm of manner are able to push among the remainder of our