I could see plainly enough that all my so-called friends had been amusing themselves at my expense, and were certainly not worth my running myself head over ears in debt to retain.

I could see too, when I came to reflect, that all my efforts to pass myself off as "one of them" had ended pitifully for me, if not ridiculously.

Yes, it was time I gave it up.

Alas! for the vanity of youth! The very day that witnessed the forming of my resolutions witnessed also the breaking of them.
"Hullo, young 'un!" cried Doubleday, as I put in my appearance at the office; "here you are! How are you after it all ?" "I'm quite well," said I, in what I intended to be a chilly voice.
"That's right.

Very brickish of you to have us up.