"A gentleman to see you, sir."
Burton looked up from his writing-table for a moment somewhat vaguely.
Mr. Bomford, who had withdrawn his glove, held out his hand.
"I trust, Mr. Burton, that you have not entirely forgotten me," he
said. "I had the pleasure of dining with you a short time ago at
Professor Cowper's. You will doubtless remember our conversation?"
Burton welcomed his visitor civilly and motioned him to a seat. He was
conscious of feeling a little disturbed. Mr. Bomford brought him once
more into touch with memories which were ever assailing him by night and
by day.
"I have taken the liberty of calling upon you, Mr. Burton," the
newcomer continued, setting down his silk hat upon a corner of the
table, and lifting his coat-tails preparatory to sinking into a chair,
"because I believe that in the excitement of our conversation a few
nights ago, we did not do adequate justice to the sentiments
which--er--provoked our offer to you."
Mr. Bomford sat down with the air of a man who has spoken well. He was
thoroughly pleased with his opening sentence.
"It did not occur to me," Burton replied, "that there was any
possibility of misunderstanding anything you or Professor Cowper said.
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