It is hard to play before such critics; and rather trying on the nerves to hear yourself styled, perhaps, an ''ass,'' for what you thought a neat bit of play; or to see lips curling, and sneering, smiling contemptuosly at your proceedings, knowing that the scorners in a similar case would play ten times worse than you have done.
When your move is made, half a dozen voices are loudly raised to demand "Pourquoi diable, you didn't do this?" or, "Why have you overlooked that?"