"But alas! sir, the web of our life is mingled yarn, both good and evil
together, as says sweet swan of Avon. There is fly in ointment; gilt is
off ginger-bread. Coja, very good chap, has left sublunary sphere. 'He
will awake no more, oh, never more!' to quote the words of Percy Bysshe
Shelley, also failed B.A. We ne'er shall look upon his like again. Who
would not weep for---- By gum! This knocks me silly all of a heap!
There he is!"
"Yes," said John, laughing, "and you can exchange notes while I take a
look round."