But my dear young sir, beauty won't boil the pot." To joke me at the expense of the beautiful unknown was sacrilege, and casting upon my tormentor, a look of unmitigated contempt, I left the shop with a lofty step, and an air of offended dignity.
As I passed into the street, I fancied that the term "ridiculous puppy!" was hissed after me.
I strode back into the shop.

The apothecary was waiting upon a new customer.
"Was that insult intended for me ?" I demanded, in a haughty tone.
"What did I say, Sir ?" "You called me a ridiculous puppy," said I.
"You are mistaken, young man.

I am not in the habit of speaking my thoughts aloud." I deserved this cut for my folly, and felt keenly that I had placed myself in an absurd position.
"My uncle is right," said I, to myself, as I retraced my steps to Hatton Garden.

"I am a babe in my knowledge of the world.

I must go more into society, or I shall for ever be getting into such ridiculous scrapes." At dinner my uncle met me with a serious face.
"What kept you from the office, Geoffrey, this morning ?" I, willing to act openly with him, narrated to him the adventure I had met with.
"I think I know the lady," said he.