“Observe his pride,” said Professor Bommeldoos, in Latin to Dr. Cijfer.
“The proud find pride, and the gloomy, gloom; but the glad find gladness, and the lowly, humility,” said Markus.
Dr. Cijfer stood up, and took his measuring instrument from the table. Then, in a quiet, courteous tone, he said:
“Will you not permit us, Mijnheer, to take your head measure? It is for a scientific purpose?”
“It gives no pain,” added Bommeldoos.
“Not to the body,” said Markus.
Said Dr. Cijfer, “There is nothing in it to offend one. I have had it done to myself many a time.”
“There is a kind of opinionativeness and denseness that offend.”
Bommeldoos flushed. “Opinionativeness and denseness! Mine, perchance? Am I such an ignoramus? Opinionated and stupid!”
“Colleague!” exclaimed Dr. Cijfer, in gentle expostulation. And then, as he enclosed Markus’s head with the shining craniometer, he gave the measurement figures. A considerable time passed, nothing being heard save the low voice of the doctor dictating the figures. Then, as if proceeding with his present occupation, taking advantage of what he considered a compliant mood of the patient, the crafty doctor fancied he saw his opportunity, and said: