MUGGLES'S SUPREME MOMENT



I



A most estimable young man was Muggles: a clean-
shaven, spick-and-span, well-mannered young man--
particular as to the brushing of his hat, the tying of
his scarf and the cut of his clothes; more than particular
as to their puttings-on and puttings-off--sack-
coat and derby for mornings; top hat and frock for
afternoons; bobtail and black tie for stags, and full
regalia of white choker, white waistcoat and swallowtail
for smart dinners and the opera.

He knew, too, all the little niceties of social life--
which arm to give to his hostess in escorting her out
to dinner; on which side of a hansom to place a lady;
the proper hours for calling; the correct thing in
canes, umbrellas, stick-pins and cigar-cases; the way
to balance a cup of afternoon tea on one knee while
he toyed with a lettuce sandwich teetering on the
other--all the delicate observances so vital to the
initiated and so unimportant to the untutored and
ignorant. Then Muggles was a kind and considerate