The old woman had been lately put upon board wages.

Lucky old woman! Frank rang a third time, and with the impetuosity of his age.

A face peeped from the belvidere on the terrace.

"Diavolo!" said Dr.Riccabocca to himself.
"Young cocks crow hard on their own dunghill; it must be a cock of a high race to crow so loud at another's." Therewith he shambled out of the summer-house, and appeared suddenly before Frank, in a very wizard-like dressing-robe of black serge, a red cap on his head, and a cloud of smoke coming rapidly from his lips, as a final consolatory whiff, before he removed the pipe from them.

Frank had indeed seen the doctor before, but never in so scholastic a costume, and he was a little startled by the apparition at his elbow, as he turned round.
"Signorino," said the Italian, taking off his cap with his usual urbanity, "pardon the negligence of my people; I am too happy to receive your commands in person." "Dr.Rickeybockey ?" stammered Frank, much confused by this polite address, and the low, yet stately, bow with which it was accompanied.
"I--I have a note from the Hall.