Mark Tapley succeeded in being jolly in adverse circumstances; Gilray failed, on the whole, in being miserable in a delightful house-boat.

It is, however, so much more difficult to keep up misery than jollity that I like to think of his attempt as what the dramatic critics call a _succes d'estime_.
The _Tawny Owl_ lay on the far side of the island.

There were ladies in it; and Gilray's misery was meant to date from the moment when he asked one of them a question, and she said "No." Gilray was strangely unlucky during the whole of his time on board.

His evil genius was there, though there was very little room for him, and played sad pranks.
Up to the time of his asking the question referred to, Gilray meant to create a pleasant impression by being jolly, and he only succeeded in being as depressing as Jaques.

Afterward he was to be unutterably miserable; and it was all he could do to keep himself at times from whirling about in waltz tune.