"What a nuisance it is to own that kind of name.

As a small boy I was always 'Ronnie' when people were pleased, and 'Ronald' if I was in for a wigging.

The feeling of it sticks to you all your life." "Of course it does," said Aubrey sympathetically.

"Beastly hard lines.
Well?
Helen says 'Ronald'-- ?" Ronnie's eyes sought the paper again; but once more the black spots danced in a wild shower.

He rubbed his eyes and went on reading.
"'Ronald, I shall have something to tell you when you get home, which will make a great difference to this Christmas, and to all Christmas-times to come.