Instead of the high personage he anticipated, he beheld standing before him a stout man, of commanding person, and dressed in the attire of a workman.
He was a little vexed to think he had been so much deceived; and perhaps it was natural that he should accost the intruder in a somewhat peevish manner.
“Well, my good man, what do you want, that you come thumping at the door as if you were really a man of mark? What would you have?”
“I seek employment,” said the stranger in a deep voice, not at all intimidated at his reception.
At the same time, he presented a letter to the superintendent.
“Ha!” said the latter, glancing at it with considerable surprise; “from the Russian ambassador!”
He read aloud as follows:—
“Sir,—The bearer, a countryman of mine, is desirous of obtaining employment in the Dock Yard under your superintendence. He is not altogether unacquainted with this description of labor, but wishes to perfect himself in it. I feel assured that nowhere can he do so to greater advantage than under your instruction.”
The compliment implied in the concluding sentence served to moderate the vexation occasioned by his recent misapprehension; and he turned with a milder mien to his visitor.