you!
You are still the first love of my heart, Ishmael. Damon, your Pythias
has not even a sweetheart to dispute your empire over him. How are you?
I have heard of your success. Wasn't is glorious! You're a splendid
fellow, Ishmael, and I'm proud of you. You may have Bee, if you want
her. I always thought there was a bashful kindness between you two. And
there isn't a reason in the world why you shouldn't have her. And so her
Royal Highness, the Princess Claudia, has caught a Lord, has she? Well,
you know she always said she would, and she has kept her word. But, I
say, how are you? How do you wear your honors? How do the toga and the
bays become you? Turn around and let us have a look at you." And so the
affectionate fellow rattled on, shaking both Ishmael's hands every other
second, until he had talked himself fairly out of breath.

"And how are you, dear Walter? But I need not ask; you look so well and
happy," said Ishmael, as soon as he could get in a word.

"Me? Oh, I'm well enough. Nought's never in danger. I've just graduated,
you know; with the highest honors, they say. My thesis won the great
prize; that was because you were not in the same class, you know. I have
my diploma in my pocket; I'm an M.D.; I can write myself doctor, and
poison people, without danger of being tried for murder! isn't that a
privilege? Now let my enemies take care of themselves! Why don't you
congratulate me, you--"

"I do, with all my heart and soul, Walter!"

"That's right! only I had to drag it from you. Well, so I'm to be 'best
man' to this noble bridegroom. Too much honor. I am not prepared for it.
One cannot get ready for graduating and marrying at the same time. I
don't think I have got a thing fit to wear. I wrote to Bee to buy me
some fine shirts, and some studs, and gloves, and handkerchiefs, and
hair oil, and things proper for the occasion. I wonder if she did?"

"I don't know. I know that she has been overwhelmed with care for the
last month, too much care for a girl, so it is just possible that she
has had no opportunity. Indeed, she has a great deal to think of and to
do."

"Oh, it won't hurt her; especially if it consists of preparations for
the wedding."

A bell rang.

"There now, Ishmael, there is that diabolical dinner-bell! You may look,
but it is true: a dinner-bell that peals out at seven o'clock in the
evening is a diabolical dinner-bell. At college we dine at twelve
meridian, sharp, and sup at six. It i