Profound depression subsequent to 234 port-poisoning. An iniquitous plot and its consequences. Insubordination of Miss Botterill. I retire from the firm of Mr. Chrysostom Lorton. A crushing rejoinder and its repetition. Second journey to Enfield. Transformation of Mrs. Chrysostom’s boudoir. Unexpected repentance of Mrs. Chrysostom. Unfortunate results of this for myself. Fruitless termination of interview CHAPTER XVIII Physical reaction following my interview 252 with Mrs. Chrysostom. Reception of a wreath from the Maidstones. Moving excerpt from Simeon’s diary. I decide to marry one of Ezekiel’s sisters. Interview with Ezekiel and his deplorable language. Tact is selected to become my bride. Tragic return to Mon Repos. I fall unconscious, parallel to my father CHAPTER XIX Commencement of my life’s afternoon. My 264 father’s eight sisters-in-law return to Wales. Astounding attitude of my mother. Physical effect thereof on myself. I move to Stoke Newington. Further parochial activities. Simeon Whey obtains a living. I move to Hornsey and become a Churchwarden. Complete decline of Ezekiel Stool. Birth of my son. A happy augury ------------------------------------------------------------------------ LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS page MYSELF AT THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE _Frontispiece_ (_From a photograph now in the possession of the Reverend Simeon Whey._) MY DEAR FATHER IN HIS PRIME 28 (_Taken from a group of sidesmen of St. James-the-Less._) FROM A PORTRAIT OF THE AUNT WHO STOOD 40 WITH MY MOTHER’S MOTHER AT THE FOOT OF THE STAIRS MR. CHRYSOSTOM LORTON 108 ALEXANDER CARKEEK AND HIS TWO SONS 130 EZEKIEL STOOL 168 (_Drawn from a portrait once in the possession of the_ A.D.S.U.) THE REV. SIMEON WHEY 192 (_From a photograph in my possession._) THE TWIN SISTERS OF EZEKIEL STOOL 256 (_The right-hand one became my wife._) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER I