"As it is, I feel like
a humbug."

"Humbug pays in this world," said the professor cheerfully. "By the way,
there's another little paragraph to which I will call your attention."

Philip read this additional item:

"We understand that Professor Riecabocca and Mr. Philip de Gray have
received a cable despatch from the Prince of Wales, inviting them to
instruct his sons in elocution and music, at a very liberal salary. They
have this proposal under consideration, though they are naturally rather
reluctant to give up the plaudits of the public, even for so honorable a
position."

"Professor Riccabocca," said Philip, considerably annoyed by this
audacious invention, "you ought to have consulted me before publishing
such a falsehood as this."

"Falsehood, Mr. de Gray? Really I'm shocked! Gentlemen don't use such
words, or make such charges."

"You don't mean to say it's true that we have received any such
telegram?"

"No; of course not."

"Then why didn't I use the right word?"

"It's an innocent little fiction, my young friend--a fiction that will
do no one any harm, but will cause us to be regarded with extraordinary
interest."

Here the thought occurred to Philip that he, the future instructor of
British royalty, had only just escaped from a poorhouse, and it seemed
to him so droll that he burst out laughing.

"Why do you laugh, Mr. de Gray?" asked the professor, a little
suspiciously.

"I was thinking of something amusing," said Philip.

"Well, well! We shall have cause to laugh when we play this evening to a
crowded house."

"I hope so. But, professor, if we keep together, you mustn't print any
more such paragraphs about me. Of course, I am not responsible for what
you say about yourself."

"Oh, it will be all right!" said Riccabocca. "What are you going to do
with yourself?"

"I shall practice a little in my room, for I want to play well to-night.
When I get tired I shall take a walk."

"Very wise--very judicious. I don't need to do it, being, as I may say,
a veteran reader. I wouldn't rehearse if I were to play this evening
before the president and all the distinguished men of the nation."

"I don't feel so confident of myself," said Philip.

"No, of course not. By the way, can you lend me fifty cents, Mr. de
Gray?"

"Certainly."

"I don't want to break a ten."

Professor Riccabocca didn't mention that the only ten he had was a
ten-cent piece.

Slipping Philip's half-dollar into his v