It is only in novels that people act reasonably and in accordance with what might be expected of them.

I knew an old sea-captain who used to read the _Young Ladies' Journal_ in bed, and cry over it.

I knew a bookmaker who always carried Browning's poems about with him in his pocket to study in the train.

I have known a Harley Street doctor to develop at forty-eight a sudden and overmastering passion for switchbacks, and to spend every hour he could spare from his practice at one or other of the exhibitions, having three-pen'orths one after the other.

I have known a book-reviewer give oranges (not poisoned ones) to children.