What, he did not remember me? What, after the memorable evening in Berlin? I know of few things more wholly grievous than to have a celebrated connection who forgets he has ever seen you.
'I must apologise to you, madam,' he said to the bishop's wife, for taking a seat at your table after all.'
'Oh, Professor——' murmured Mrs. Harvey-Browne.
'But you will perhaps forgive my joining a party of which my wife is a member.'
'Oh, Professor, do pray believe——'
'I know a Brown,' he continued; 'in England there is a Brown I know. He is of a great skill in card-tricks. Hold—I know another Brown—nay, I know several. Relations, no doubt, of yours, madam?'
'No, sir, our name is Harvey-Browne.'
'Ach so. I understood Brown. So it is Harvey. Yes, yes; Harvey made the excellent sauce. I eat it daily with my fish. Madam, a public benefactor.'
'Sir, we are not related. We are the Harvey-Brownes.'
'What, you are both Harveys and Browns, and yet not related to either Browns or Harveys? Nay, but that is a problem to split the head.'