“Of course, if these people will permit me to pay for my board and lodging. If they 'll condescend to let me be a stranger, I ask for nothing better than this place.”
“Might I offer myself as a negotiator?” said Dill, insinuatingly; “for I opine that the case is not of the difficulty you suppose. Will you confide it to my hands?”
“With all my heart. I don't exactly see why there should be a negotiation at all; but if there must, pray be the special envoy.”
When Dill arose and set out on his mission, the young fellow looked after him with an expression that seemed to say, “How you all imagine you are humbugging me, while I read every one of you like a book!”
Let us follow the doctor, and see how he acquitted himself in his diplomacy.
CHAPTER V. DILL AS A DIPLOMATIST
Dr. Dill had knocked twice at the door of Miss Barrington's little sitting-room, and no answer was returned to his summons.
“Is the dear lady at home?” asked he, blandly. But, though he waited for some seconds, no reply came.
“Might Dr. Dill be permitted to make his compliments?”