Then he almost ran to the window, and like the naughty old boy he must have been, I fear he relit that horrid cigar, singing lightly to himself as he hunted for the matches. You will note that – at the earnest request of your wife – the paternal name does find a place, but Jim!” She transfixed him again, then went gliding to the door, which father opened and bowed her away. On this sheet of paper you will find the names we have decided upon. I did not expect to get much sense out of you, and I am therefore not disappointed. “You may resume your horrid cigar, Harold. “John! and Jim!” she said at last, slowly rising. Compared to such a punishment, to be face to face with Russian bayonets would have been child’s play to poor father. I have been told that Aunt Serapheema did not answer him for fully half a minute, but subjected him to what might be called a process of ocular transfixion. “Ahem, well, a – my name has a John in it, and my brother’s is Jim. Luckily your wife and I have been considering for you. Have you considered what names to give them?” But you know they must be baptised at an early date. “Assuredly, sis – a – auntie dear.” And my father pulled himself together, as if he had been on parade. “Well, and it is about the boys I have come to speak, if you will favour me with a moment’s attention.” “Certainly,” said father, “as you wish, sist – I – I mean aunt.” “If you do not so address her, before very long the boys themselves will be calling their mother Dot.” The “now” in aunt’s last sentence referred to the birth of my brother and me. Remember that in future, Harold and it will be as well if, instead of calling Dora, your wife, by the ridiculous name of Dot, you now address her as ‘mamma’ or ‘ma.’” “Ahem!” continued my aunt, smoothing the long black silken mits she always wore on her hands and arms. “The smoke, I suppose, would have annoyed you?” It was like herself, this chair – straight, tall, dark, and prim. He hastened to place the high-backed armchair for the lady. Well, father was enjoying a mild cigar by the open window – for it was spring, and the birds were singing in every bush – when there entered to him – Aunt Serapheema, who began to cough.įather put his cigar hastily down on the outside sill of the window, with a little sigh, for it was one of the Colonel’s – Colonel McReady’s – best, and only newly lit. What a deal maiden aunts have to account for, as often as not! Yes, it was all owing to Aunt Serapheema, and even to this day I cannot help thinking she owes us a very ample apology.įather – he was Captain Jones then – was sitting all alone one evening in the room which was designated by courtesy the study, though, as far as literature is concerned, it contained little else save a few magazines, the newspapers, and – father’s pipe rack. For one young man even it would be bad enough, but there were two of us, and we always drove in couple. Reginald Augustus John Fitzmaurice Jones! Only fancy a spirited young man having to make his way in life, and drag through existence with such a name as that tagged on to him. And, indeed, I think it will be readily admitted that his was a harder case than even mine, and seeing that I was the elder, this seemed scarcely fair. Rupert Domville Ffoljambe-Foley Jillard Jones! On the second occasion it was carefully carried in my own waistcoat pocket, and brought home by one far dearer to me than even a father.īut as regards a name or names rather, my brother did not fare a bit better than I did. On the first occasion it was carefully carried in my father’s waistcoat pocket, and I brought it home. On both these occasions it was written on a bit of paper, and folded up for future use. Twice only have I taken it to church with me, namely, on the day of my baptism, and on my wedding morn. The name is far and away too long, and too tall for ordinary use. There is not the slightest occasion to remember it. Reginald Augustus John Fitzmaurice Jones! The Old Home by the Sea – Aunt Serapheema