C H Bovill

"Please, sir, it's about my salary." His age was twenty-two and his name was Roland Bleke. Mr. Fineberg, at his word, drew himself together much as a British square at Waterloo must have drawn itself together at the sight of a squadron of cuirassiers. "Salary?" he cried. "What about it? What's the matter with it? You get it, don't you?" "Yes, sir, but --" "Well? Don't stand there like an idiot. What is it?" "It's too much." Mr. Fineberg's brain reeled. It was improbable that the millennium could have arrived with a jerk; on the other hand, he had distinctly heard one of his clerks complain that his salary was too large. . . .

A Man of Means: A Series Of Six Stories is a collection of short stories that center around a man who, after unexpectedly coming into wealth, finds himself entangled in a series of disastrous situations. The protagonist is thrust into a world of social complexities, where his newfound fortune seems to lead him into unsuitable alliances and poor investments. Yet, through a combination of quick thinking and sheer luck, he manages to navigate these challenges, often escaping unscathed. The stories explore the themes of wealth, social class, and the unpredictable nature of fortune, revealing how a sudden change in financial status can complicate relationships and personal decisions. As the protagonist encounters a variety of comedic predicaments, the collection delves into the absurdity of wealth and its ability to both elevate and entrap those who are unprepared for it. Through humor and irony, the book highlights the often ridiculous consequences of trying to fit into a world of privilege, offering a light-hearted but sharp critique of the societal norms and expectations surrounding money and success.