The World’s Tragedy

XIV PREFACE. rable ” in front of his name, destined to be celebrated in the world of motors and balloons, walked into the room and told us rather a lively story. The Reverend something Doddridge thought of the “ honourable ” and laughed pleasantly. I remember how, boys as we were, we filed austerely from the rooms without farewell. Oh, you must know the C. I. C. C. U. ! I remember too how this Doddridge, while in charge of my morals, aided and abetted me in extinguishing street lamps ; and how when a policeman pounced upon me, he forsook me and fled ! A true disciple of Jesus ! I had no playmates ; my morals might be corrupted ! Only the “ children of brethren ” were eligible, and these were as a rule socially impossible. I was always being watched for signs of masturbation, and always being warned and worried about it. It says something for human innocence that after four years of this insane treatment I was still absolutely ignorant, though on fire in every nerve to learn the practice that people made so much fuss about. But really — my tutors ! Of all the surpassing prigs ! I was so mentally shattered by the disease and torture — for both continued — that I remember practically nothing of the next two years. But at least I shall take care that this book comes into the hands of the Very Reverend Armitage Robinson Esq., M. A., D. D., Dean of Westminster ; for though I suppose