eucrorumque_; which means, 'Mrs. Tom is still in a
state of single blessedness,' that being the literal translation of
the Hebrew."

And Sir Asinus smiles; and seeing Jacques approach, looks at him
triumphantly.

Jacques has just been bitten by the lap dog; and this, added to his
melancholy and jealousy, causes him to feel desolate.

"Pardon my interrupting your pleasant conversation," he says.

"Oh, no interruption!" says Sir Asinus triumphantly.

"But I thought I'd mention----

"Speak out, speak out!" says Sir Asinus, shaking with laughter, and
assuming a generous and noble air.

"I observed through the window a visitor, fairest Belinda."

"Ah! I was so closely engaged," says Sir Asinus, "like a knight of the
middle ages, I thought only of my 'ladye faire.' Nothing can move me
from her side!"

"Indeed?" says Jacques.

"Nothing!"

"Well, well, at least I have not counselled such desertion on your
part. The visitor at the gate there is Doctor Small from college. I
only thought I'd mention it!"

Like an electric shock dart the words of Jacques through the frame of
the chivalric Sir Asinus. He starts to his feet--gazes around him
despairingly, seeking a place of refuge.

The step of worthy Doctor Small is heard upon the portico; Sir Asinus
quakes.

"Are you unwell, my dear friend?" asks Jacques with melancholy
interest.

"I am--really--come, Jacques!" stammers Sir Asinus.

"Are you indisposed?"

"To meet the Doctor? I rather think I am. Mercy! mercy! dear _Campana
in die_," cries the knight; "hide me! hide me!--up stairs, down
stairs--any where!"

The footstep sounded in the passage.

Belle-bouche laughed with that musical contagious merriment which
characterized her.

"But what shall we say?" she asks; "I can't tell the Doctor you are
not here."

"Then I must go. Can I escape? Oh heavens! there is his shadow on the
floor! Jacques, my boy, protect my memory--I must retire!"

And Sir Asinus rushed through the open door leading into the adjoining
room, just as Doctor Small entered with his benevolent smile and
courteous inclination.

He had been informed in town, he said, that his young friend Thomas,
withdrawn now some days from college, was at Shadynook; and taking
advantage of his acquaintance with Mrs. Wimple, and he was happy to
add with Miss Rebecca, he had come to find and have some friendly
conversation with Thomas. Had he been at Shadynook, or was he
misinformed?

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