“Oh, I understand,” Dr. Gilbo murmured. “You are receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity to-night.”
“Yes, suh, dat’s it. Only but I don’t git but one D.”
“May I inquire what college is honoring you?” Gilbo asked.
Vinegar’s answer came very near being the end of Dr. Gilbo.
“De Silliway Female Institoot,” Vinegar told him.
Then there was silence for the space of ten minutes. Vinegar stood as quietly as a mule hitched to a post. Dr. Sentelle’s frail body was shaking with suppressed laughter. Dr. Gilbo felt that his reason was tottering on the crystal throne of intellect. At last Vinegar spoke:
“Could you lend me de loant of de pulpit chair an’ de readin’ lamp, elder?”
“No,” Dr. Sentelle murmured chokingly, “I deeply regret that I cannot.”
“Thank ’e, suh,” Vinegar responded. “I knows you would ef you could. I reckin I better mosey on. I’s shore much obleeged to dis here nice white man fer my seegar. Thank e, Kunnel.”
Vinegar turned and walked as far as the gate, when Sentelle called to him.