"A cheque for the Red Cross," he answered. "A cheque for twenty guineas, to add to the money from your performance last night."
He was scowling all the time, mind you, and looking as if he hated the show.
"I'm sure it's very sporting of you, sir," I said to old Black.
"Not in the least," he replied. "I laughed more last night than I have laughed for fifty years. And I only paid half a crown--much too little for what I got."
I was fearfully amazed.
"Excuse me, sir," I said, "but I didn't see you laugh once!'
"No," he answered, "and more did anyone else. When I laugh, I laugh inside, boy, not outside. So do most wise men. Now be off; and when you next play Shylock, let me know. If I'm alive, I'll come."
So I went, and we cheered old Black from the playground. He must have heard us, but he didn't show up.
Certainly, taking one thing with another, there are many extraordinary people in the world, and you may be surprised at any moment. No doubt it was one of those cases of coming to scoff and remaining to pray that you hear about, but don't often actually see.
THE LAST OF MITCHELL