The young man was too much absorbed in gloomy thought to observe these manoeuvres; and, besides, we must not lose sight of the fact, that he was an Indian, and did not understand hints and intimations as well as civilized individuals.
Roundjacket was forced, at last, to clear his throat and speak.
"Hem!" observed the poet.
"Sir?" said Verty, for the tone of Roundjacket's observation was such as to convey the impression that he was about to speak.
"I've got something for you, my dear fellow," said the poet.
"Have you, sir?"
"Yes; now guess what it is."
"I don't think I could."
"What do you imagine it can be?"
Verty shook his head, and leaned upon his desk.