CHAPTER XXII.
Yet Dr.Riccabocca was not rash.

The man who wants his wedding-garment to fit him must allow plenty of time for the measure.

But from that day, the Italian notably changed his manner towards Miss Hazeldean.

He ceased that profusion of compliment in which he had hitherto carried off in safety all serious meaning.

For indeed the doctor considered that compliments to a single gentleman were what the inky liquid it dispenses is to the cuttle-fish, that by obscuring the water sails away from its enemy.