That vision had exploded—no invitation to dinner, none to visit the king, none to accept the position of Librarian of the Greek portion of the Royal Library, whose only duty was to consist in drawing his salary. Mr. Hamblin bowed, and so far conformed to his original programme as to back out of the office. Doubtless he came to the conclusion, in his disgust, that Belgium was a "one-horse" kingdom, and that royalty was a humbug.
The vision exploded; so did the mirth of Mr. Stoute, as soon as the door of the department of foreign affairs had closed behind him. He laughed till every ounce of his adipose frame quivered.
"What are you laughing at, Mr. Stoute?" demanded the disappointed suitor for Belgian honors.
"You will excuse me, sir; but really I can't help it," choked the fat professor.
"I really don't see anything to laugh at," added Mr. Hamblin, indignantly.
"I was intensely amused at the shuffling indifference of Monsieur Rogier. He evidently regards himself as a very great man, not to be disturbed by insignificant Greek scholars."
"What do you mean by insignificant, Mr. Stoute?" asked the lean professor, solemnly.
"Why, the minister had never even heard of you, of your Greek Grammar, Greek Reader, and Anabasis. Such is fame!" chuckled the good-natured instructor.
"'What we Americans call a practical joke,' were the words of the minister. Do you regard this as a joke, Mr. Stoute?" said the learned gentleman, very seriously.
"I suppose it is a joke to all, except the victim."