"Is it possible!" ejaculated Mr. Hamblin, struggling to keep down the smile in which his vanity sought to manifest itself. "What does he say?"
"He says that just as he was leaving Antwerp for Brussels, he heard that the very learned and distinguished Professor Hamblin was on board of a vessel at anchor in the river."
"Does he say that?" asked the learned gentleman, who, knowing that Mr. Stoute had a horrid vein of humor running through his fat frame, had, perhaps, a suspicion that he was making fun at his expense.
"That is precisely what it says."
"How should Mr. Rogier know me?" queried Mr. Hamblin.
"I was about to read his explanation on that point: he says he heard of you through a friend who was in London a few weeks since. He wished to see you and extend to you a welcome to the kingdom of Belgium; but the command of his royal master required him to leave Antwerp by the next train; and he was deprived of the pleasure of extending to you in person the expression of his distinguished consideration. He hopes when you visit Brussels you will do him the honor to call upon him at the Palais de la Nation, Rue de la Soie."
"Humph!" ejaculated the learned professor, prolonging the interjection, and trying to suppress the smile which had a sad tendency to overwhelm his dignity.
"You are fortunate, Mr. Hamblin," added Mr. Stoute; "of course he will present you to King Leopold."
"Possibly," replied the Greek savant, stroking his chin, and frowning, to counteract the sinister influence of the smile he could not wholly overcome.
Mr. Hamblin took the letter and read the signature. It was certainly "Charles Rogier," with a flourish extensive enough for any great man. From the letter he glanced at the fat professor, who, being always good-natured, was so now. He could not get rid of a lingering suspicion that his undignified associate was imposing upon him. It was a great misfortune that his own knowledge of French was so limited, and if it had not been so late, he would have gone on board of the ship to ask Professor Badois to translate the epistle to him.