"But—" he said.
"Come—you pique my curiosity; go on, Charles."
A sudden smile illumined the boy's face.
"Well," he said, "if you insist, so be it."
And he led the way up a staircase which commenced just within the open door of the house. The lodging of Sir Asinus was in one of those buildings let out to students; this seemed more private—Hoffland alone dwelt here.
The student searched his pockets one after the other.
"Oh me!" he cried, "could I have left my key at the college?"
"Careless!" said Mowbray, with a smile.
"I think I am very unfortunate."
"Well, then, my domiciliary visit is rendered impossible. Come, Charles, another time!"