"The refuge of comedy-characters is left," said Jacques—"the closet!"
"You will betray me!"
"No, no," sighed Jacques reproachfully; "bad as you are, Sir Asinus——"
But the worthy knight had disappeared in the closet, and Jacques was silent.
The cocked hat, as we have said, was succeeded by a pair of shoulders; the shoulders now appeared joined to a good portly body; and lastly, the well-clad legs of worthy Doctor Small appeared; and passing along the passage, he entered the room.
"Good morning, my young friend," he said politely; "a very beautiful day."
And he sat down.
"Exceedingly beautiful, Doctor," said Jacques sadly; "and I was just thinking how pleasant my ride would be. Did you pass our friend going out?"
"No; I was anxious to see him."
"He was in the room a few minutes since," said Jacques; "what a pity that you missed him."