"Yes, scalping must be most interesting," murmured Chrysophrasia, with an air of conviction.
Hermione laughed.
"I really believe you would like to see it done, aunt Chrysophrasia," said she.
"Hermy, Hermy, what dreadful ideas you have!" exclaimed Mrs. Carvel, in gentle horror. But she immediately returned to her embroidery, and relapsed into silence.
"It is Mr. Griggs, mamma," said Hermione, still laughing. "He agrees with me that learned people are all oppressively dull, and that the only tolerably exciting society is found among scalping Indians."
"Did you not once scalp somebody yourself, Griggs?" asked John, suddenly lowering his newspaper.
"Not quite," I answered; "but I once shaved a poodle with a pocket-knife. Perhaps you were thinking of that?"
While I spoke there was a sound of wheels without, and John rose to his feet. He seemed impatient.
"That must be Cutter at last'" he exclaimed, moving towards the door that led into the hall. "I thought he was never coming."
I rose also, and followed him. It was Cutter. The learned professor arrived wrapped in a huge ulster overcoat, his hands in the deep pockets thereof, and the end of an extinguished cigar between his teeth. He furtively disposed of the remains of the weed before shaking hands with our host. After the first greetings John led him away to his room, and I remained standing in the hall. The professor's luggage was rather voluminous, and various boxes, bags, and portmanteaus bore the labels of many journeys. The men brought them in from the dog-cart; the strong cob pawed the gravel a little, and the moonlight flashed back from the silver harness, from the smooth varnished dashboard, the polished chains, and the plated lamps. I stood staring out of the door, hardly seeing anything. Indeed, I was lost in a fruitless effort of memory. The groom gathered up the reins and drove away, and presently I was aware that Stubbs, the butler, was offering me a hat, as a hint, I supposed, that he wanted to shut the front door. I mechanically covered my head and strolled away.