And the good Doctor smiled.
"Well, Doctor, much success to you. Will you not permit me to convey you to the college?"
The hair upon Sir Asinus's head stood up; then at the Doctor's reply he breathed freely again. That reply was:
"No, I thank you; your Excellency is very good, but it is only a step."
And the Doctor rode on with a bow.
Behind him rode Jacques, who had recognised his friend's horse, caught a glimpse of him through the window, and now regarded him with languid interest.
The chariot drew up at the gate of the palace. A liveried servant offered his arm to the Governor; and passing along the walk beneath the Scotch lindens which lined it, they entered the mansion.
The Governor led the way to his study, passing through two large apartments ornamented with globe lamps and portraits of the King and Queen.
Once in his favorite leather chair, his Excellency ordered wine to be brought, emptied two or three glasses, and then receiving a pipe from a servant, lit it by means of a coal respectfully held in readiness, and commenced smoking.
Sir Asinus declined the pipe proffered to him, but applied himself to the old sherry with great gusto—much to his Excellency's satisfaction.