"Not exactly. I cannot wear one of your coats."
"Oh! is that it?" said Mr. Barker; and a pleasant little thrill of triumph manifested itself, as he pushed out his jaw and exhibited his circular wrinkle. "Of course—how stupid of me! You are here as a pedestrian, and you have no evening dress. Well, the sooner we go and see a tailor the better, in that case. I will ring for a carriage." He did so, remarking internally that he had scored one in putting the Doctor into a position which forced him to dress like a Christian.
"Do you never walk?" asked Claudius, putting a handful of cigarettes into his pocket.
"No," said the American, "I never walk. If man were intended by an all-wise Providence to do much walking he would have four legs."
The tailor promised upon his faith as a gentleman to make Claudius presentable by the following evening. Baden tailors are used to providing clothes at short notice; and the man kept his word.
Pending the event, Barker remarked to Claudius that it was a pity they might not call again before the dinner. Claudius said in some countries he thought it would be the proper thing; but that in Germany Barker was undoubtedly right—it would not do at all.
"Customs vary so much in society," said Barker; "now in America we have such a pretty habit."
"What is that?"
"Sending flowers—we send them to ladies on the smallest provocation."
"But is not the Countess an American?" asked Claudius.