Boy; a sketch (1900) by Marie Corelli

CHAPTER I. It is said by many people who are supposed to " know things" that our life is frequently, if not always, influenced by the first impressions we ourselves receive of its value or worthlesness. Some folks, assuming to be wiser even than the wisest, go so far as to afiirm that if you, while still an infant in long clothes, happen to take a disgust to the manner and customs of your parents, you will inevitably be disgusted at most events and persons throughout the remainder of your earthly pilgrimage. If any truth exists in such a statement, then " Boy" had excellent cause to be profoundly disappointed in his prospects at a very early outset of his career. He sat in what is sometimes called a " feeding-chair," wedged in by a bar which guarded him from falling forward or tumbling out upon the floor, and the said bar was provided with an ingenious piece of wood, which was partially hollowed out in such wise as to keep him firm by his