Part 7 (2/2)
”Really, I hope you will. Shall we go and dine?”
CHAPTER V.
On the following day Claudius and Mr. Barker received each a note. These communications were in square, rough envelopes, and directed in a large feminine handwriting. The contents intimated that the Countess Margaret would be glad to see them at dinner at half-past seven on Thursday.
”That is to-morrow,” said Mr. Barker pensively.
Claudius, who was generally the calmest of the calm, made a remark in German to the effect that he fervently desired a thousand million bushels of thunder-weather to fly away with him that very instant.
”Did you say anything, Professor?” inquired Mr. Barker blandly.
”I did. I swore,” answered Claudius. ”I have half a mind to swear again.”
”Do it. Profanity is the safety-valve of great minds. Swear loudly, and put your whole mind to it.”
Claudius strode to the window of their sitting-room and looked out.
”It is extremely awkward, upon my word,” he said.
”What is awkward, Professor? The invitation?”
”Yes--very.”
”Why, pray? I should think you would be very much pleased.”
”Exactly--I should be: but there is a drawback.”
”Of what nature? Anything I can do?”
”Not exactly. I cannot wear one of your coats.”
”Oh! is that it?” said Mr. Barker; and a pleasant little thrill of triumph manifested itself, as he pushed out his jaw and exhibited his circular wrinkle. ”Of course--how stupid of me! You are here as a pedestrian, and you have no evening dress. Well, the sooner we go and see a tailor the better, in that case. I will ring for a carriage.” He did so, remarking internally that he had scored one in putting the Doctor into a position which forced him to dress like a Christian.
”Do you never walk?” asked Claudius, putting a handful of cigarettes into his pocket.
”No,” said the American, ”I never walk. If man were intended by an all-wise Providence to do much walking he would have four legs.”
The tailor promised upon his faith as a gentleman to make Claudius presentable by the following evening. Baden tailors are used to providing clothes at short notice; and the man kept his word.
Pending the event, Barker remarked to Claudius that it was a pity they might not call again before the dinner. Claudius said in some countries he thought it would be the proper thing; but that in Germany Barker was undoubtedly right--it would not do at all.
”Customs vary so much in society,” said Barker; ”now in America we have such a pretty habit.”
”What is that?”
”Sending flowers--we send them to ladies on the smallest provocation.”
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