The manservant threw open the door of the room, announcing:
“Mr. Kendal to wait upon you, sir.”
But by the time a small and rather rotund gentleman had been ushered into the room, Mr. Garrick was apparently engaged in an animated conversation with Miss Burney on the subject of the table-cover at which she was working.
CHAPTER II
The visitor walked with the short strut of the man who at least does not underrate his own importance in the world. But he suggested just at the moment the man who is extremely nervous lest he may not appear perfectly self-possessed. There was an air of bustle about him as he strutted into the room, saying:
“Dr. Burney, I am your servant, sir. I have done myself the honour to visit you on a rather important piece of business.”
“Sir, you have conferred honour upon me,” said Dr. Burney.
Then the gentleman seemed to become aware for the first time that there were other people in the room; but it was with an air of reluctance that he felt called on to greet the others.