An unquestioned Roumanian ancestry, an extraction indisputably Japanese, find no more favor in his eyes than an assumed stammer, a sham deafness, or a convalescent pallor put on for the occasion.

East and west are alike in his sight.

The retired registrar, the pensioned usher aspiring late in life to some petty magistrature, are powerless to touch his heart.

For him in vain does the youthful volunteer allow his uniform to peep out beneath his student's gown: he will not profit by the patriotic indulgence he counted on inspiring.

His sayings in the examination-room are famous, and among them are some ghastly pleasantries.