He was delicate and, in a frail way, good-looking too, except for the vacant droop of his lower lip.

Under our excellent system of compulsory education he had learned to read and write, notwithstanding the unfavourable aspect of the lower lip.

But as errand-boy he did not turn out a great success.

He forgot his messages; he was easily diverted from the straight path of duty by the attractions of stray cats and dogs, which he followed down narrow alleys into unsavoury courts; by the comedies of the streets, which he contemplated open-mouthed, to the detriment of his employer's interests; or by the dramas of fallen horses, whose pathos and violence induced him sometimes to shriek pierceingly in a crowd, which disliked to be disturbed by sounds of distress in its quiet enjoyment of the national spectacle.

When led away by a grave and protecting policeman, it would often become apparent that poor Stevie had forgotten his address--at least for a time.