In my case, it denoted some unpleasant personal characteristics when a stupid mandarin put obstacles in my way.

I never gave any warning, but rushed in and bit him, not actually, of course, but in his illicit commissions, which annoyed him more than a real bite." "I don't like Chow," she said.

"Your name is John.

Won't Jack do ?" "Fine." It was lucky she could not see the smile that flitted across his face.

"And yours ?" "Mamma always used my full name, and I have never had anyone else to give me a pet name, unless it was 'Tatters' at school." "We might bracket Tatters with Chow, and dismiss both," he said lightly.