"Go to Mrs. Jones at 99 in this street, and say with my compliments that I can't dine with her to-day, though there is nothing I should like better, as I don't expect I shall get much to eat at home."
As Tommy walked up the street he conceived a great idea. His master could not go out to dinner, but evidently wanted something to eat. It should be his business to see that this was attended to.
When he arrived at Mrs. Jones', he asked to see that lady, and was ushered into the hall, where she came in full-dress.
"Doc's compliments, ma'am!" he exclaimed, "and he can't come to dine, but he'd like something to eat, so if you'll put the grub in a basket, I'll take it home for him."
"Oh, eh! yes," replied Mrs. Jones, in some confusion. "Wait here and I'll attend to it."
She knew that Dr. Slasher was an eccentric character, and thought that he might have sent for something to eat, though it was an extraordinary thing for a gentleman to do; so she had the cook put up a basketful of good things with which Tommy returned to the house in triumph.
The doctor was just going out, and had his hat and coat on.
"Did you give my message to Mrs. Jones?" he asked.
"Yes, sir, and as you couldn't go yourself, I got her to give me your dinner in a basket."
"You did what!" thundered the doctor.