On Crammon’s fortieth birthday he received from seven of his friends,
whose names were signed to it, a document written in the elaborate
script and manner of an official diploma. And the content of the
document was this:
“O Crammon, friend of friends, admirer of women and contemner of their
sex, enemy of marriage, glass of fashion, defender of descent, shield
of high rank, guest of all noble spirits, finder of the genuine, tester
of the exquisite, friend of the people and hater of mankind, long
sleeper and rebel, Bernard Gervasius, hail to thee!”
Gleaming with pride and satisfaction Crammon hung up the beautifully
framed parchment on the wall beside his bed. Then with the two ladies
of his household he took a turn in the park.
Miss Aglaia walked at his right, Miss Constantine at his left. Both
were festively arrayed, though in a somewhat antique fashion, and their
faces were the happiest to be seen.