He was very little changed except that he had grown a shade
stouter, and there was perhaps more color in his cheeks. He
carried himself, too, like a man who believes in himself. In the
small public-house he was, without doubt, an impressive figure.
"My friends," he remarked, "our host's whiskey is good. At the
same time, I must not forget--"
"You'll have one with me, Professor," a youth at his elbow
interrupted. "Two special whiskies, miss, if you please."
The professor shrugged his shoulders--it was a gesture which he
wished every one to understand. He was suffering now the penalty
for a popularity which would not be denied!
"You are very kind, sir," he said, "very kind, indeed. As I was
about to say, I must not forget that in less than half an hour I
am due upon the stage. It does not do to disappoint one's
audience, sir. It is a poor place, this music-hall, but it is
full, they tell me packed from floor to ceiling. At eight-thirty
I must show myself."
"A marvelous turn, too, Professor," declared one of the young men
by whom he was surrounded.
"I thank you, sir," the professor replied, turning towards the
speaker, glass in hand. "There have been others who have paid me
a similar compliment; others, I may say, not unconnected with the
aristocracy of your country--not unconnected either, I might
add," he went on, "with the very highest in the land, those who
from their exalted position have never failed to shower favors
upon the more fortunate sons of our profession.
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