“And that is why we were, so to speak, going through a little practice.”
“Suttonly, sir. Quite right. And about luggage, sir. What shall I get ready?”
“Ah! That requires a little consideration, Samuel. I’ll go into that with you by and by.”
“Very good, sir. But I should like to ask one question.”
“Certainly, Samuel,” said the doctor gravely; “what is it?”
“Only this, sir. When do we start?”
“When do we start?” said the doctor, staring. “My good man, I did not propose to take you.”
“Not take me, sir?” cried the butler, staring. “Why, whatever do you think you could do without me?”
The doctor stared blankly at his man, and then turned to the professor.
“Ah! No hesitation, Morris,” said the latter sharply. “I haven’t quite come round yet regarding both of you, though matters have altered me a good deal during the last five minutes; but with regard to this last phase—the idea of taking your servant—that really is quite out of the question.”