He sat in an awful state of mind, trying to do his problems in vain, and talking to himself.
At dinner he ate nothing. At tea time he was worse, for he was seasick, and had to be carried out. And when study hour came, there he was with his problems again.
The young ones had gone to bed. Mr. Ginger, also. The professor presided at the study table, and Mrs. Stuffemwell sat by the fire, crocheting.
All was very still, when, suddenly, there came three knocks on the door. The professor never stirred. They came again.
“Shall I open the door, sir?” said Brown.
“For what?” asked the professor.
“A knock, sir,” said Brown.
“I heard none; but see,” said the professor.
Brown opened the door. There was no one there.
He took his seat again. Before he had lifted his book, the door was pushed open, and in walked some one. The professor took no notice; neither did Mrs. Stuffemwell. But Brown, staring, as we all did, cried out: