“Really, I hope you will.  Shall we go and dine?”

CHAPTER V.

On the following day Claudius and Mr. Barker received each a note.  These communications were in square, rough envelopes, and directed in a large feminine handwriting.  The contents intimated that the Countess Margaret would be glad to see them at dinner at half-past seven on Thursday.

“That is to-morrow,” said Mr. Barker pensively.

Claudius, who was generally the calmest of the calm, made a remark in German to the effect that he fervently desired a thousand million bushels of thunder-weather to fly away with him that very instant.

“Did you say anything, Professor?” inquired Mr. Barker blandly.

“I did.  I swore,” answered Claudius.  “I have half a mind to swear again.”

“Do it.  Profanity is the safety-valve of great minds.  Swear loudly, and put your whole mind to it.”

Claudius strode to the window of their sitting-room and looked out.

“It is extremely awkward, upon my word,” he said.

“What is awkward, Professor?  The invitation?”

“Yes—­very.”

“Why, pray?  I should think you would be very much pleased.”

“Exactly—­I should be:  but there is a drawback.”

“Of what nature?  Anything I can do?”

“Not exactly.  I cannot wear one of your coats.”

“Oh! is that it?” said Mr. Barker; and a pleasant little thrill of triumph manifested itself, as he pushed out his jaw and exhibited his circular wrinkle.  “Of course—­how stupid of me!  You are here as a pedestrian, and you have no evening dress.  Well, the sooner we go and see a tailor the better, in that case.  I will ring for a carriage.”  He did so, remarking internally that he had scored one in putting the Doctor into a position which forced him to dress like a Christian.

“Do you never walk?” asked Claudius, putting a handful of cigarettes into his pocket.

“No,” said the American, “I never walk.  If man were intended by an all-wise Providence to do much walking he would have four legs.”

The tailor promised upon his faith as a gentleman to make Claudius presentable by the following evening.  Baden tailors are used to providing clothes at short notice; and the man kept his word.

Pending the event, Barker remarked to Claudius that it was a pity they might not call again before the dinner.  Claudius said in some countries he thought it would be the proper thing; but that in Germany Barker was undoubtedly right—­it would not do at all.

“Customs vary so much in society,” said Barker; “now in America we have such a pretty habit.”

“What is that?”

“Sending flowers—­we send them to ladies on the smallest provocation.”

“But is not the Countess an American?” asked Claudius.

“Yes, certainly.  Old Southern family settled north.”