"That was pursuit of knowledge under difficulties," said Dr. Porter, laughing. "I dare say your mother's fears were quite as much for you as for puss. Didn't she bite you?"
"Oh no, sir. We were old friends, and she knew I didn't mean any harm."
Dr. Porter was a very kind old gentleman, of most polished and winning manners, though he could be stern enough on occasions, and sarcastic enough too to make a rude or impudent student wish to creep into the smallest hole he could find. He was really interested in Eben, and Eben felt that he was so. Something in his manner overcame the boy's usual shyness and awkwardness of expression, and before they finished the tour of the museum, he had told his whole story and opened his whole heart to his new friend. Dr. Porter listened to and sympathized with him, and explained what they were looking at, to Eben's heart's content.
"But it must be dinner-time," said the doctor, stopping at last and looking at his watch. "Have you had your dinner?"
"No, sir," replied Eben. "Mr. Antis gave me the money to pay for my dinner, but I had forgotten all about it."
"Don't you feel hungry?"
"Yes, sir, now I think of it, I believe I do," said Eben. "I had a pretty early breakfast, and not much time to eat it."
"Well, you had better come up and get your dinner with me. I live at the hotel now. My daughter is away, and I want to see a little more of you."
"I am not dressed," said Eben, looking at his clothes, which were those which he wore about his work every day. "I came off in such a hurry I had hardly time to put on my hat."
"Oh, never mind. We shall find soap and water in my room. Come! It is time we were off. I am hungry, if you are not, and I have no notion of dining off bones and preparations, I can assure you!"