"Sit down, Mr. Gray," he continued. "I don't know whether you appreciate a good cigar, but if you do I can offer you something a little out of the ordinary. Of course, if you are sufficiently young and barbarous to prefer a pipe don't hesitate to say so."
"Well, I'm not an expert," admitted Colin. "All the same, I like to improve my education when I get the chance."
The old man smiled grimly, and, moving across to a black oak bureau in the corner, returned with a box of long, delicately shaped Havanas.
"Smoking is the one pleasure left which I can still enjoy," he explained. "Under the circumstances, I take particular care to have the best."
He waited until Colin had lighted up, and then, following his example, placed the box on the table between them and seated himself in a big armchair in front of the fire.
"And now, my young friend," he said, "let us get to business. I believe that Onslow has said something to you about my reasons for asking you to come and see me."
Colin nodded. "Sir George called at the hospital yesterday," he said. "I understood from him that you were thinking of engaging a resident assistant, and that he had suggested me as a possible choice."
The Professor drew down the corners of his mouth in a dry smile.
"Oh, you understood that, did you?" he remarked. "Well, it's hardly the impression which Onslow conveyed to me. From the enthusiastic fashion in which he spoke about your abilities I gathered that I should be remarkably fortunate if you would even consider the proposal."
Colin flushed handsomely. "Sir George has always been uncommonly kind to me," he said, "but he knows that I should regard it as a tremendous honour to be allowed to work under you."