"Now, what was it all about?" asked the Governor, laughing. And when our friend related the mode of his escape from the worthy Doctor, his Excellency shook the whole carriage in the excess of his mirth. They came thus to the "Raleigh Tavern," before the door of which the Governor stopped a moment to say a word to the landlord, who, cap in hand, listened. The Governor's conversation related to a great ball which was to be held in the "Apollo room" at the Raleigh very soon; and the chariot was delayed fully half an hour. At last it drove on, and at the same moment his Excellency inclined his head courteously to a gentleman mounted on horseback who was passing. "Ah, worthy Doctor Small!" he said, "a delightful day for a ride!" Sir Asinus shrunk back into the extremest corner, and cast an imploring look upon the Governor, who shook with laughter. "Yes, yes, your Excellency," said the Doctor; "I have been inhaling this delightful May morning with quite a youthful gusto." "Riding for exercise, Doctor? An excellent idea." "No, sir; I went a little way into the country to see a pupil." "You saw him?" "No, your Excellency." "Why, that was very hard--a great reprobate, I fear." "No; a wild young man who has lately deserted his Alma Mater." "A heinous offence! I advise you to proceed against him for holding out _in contumaciam_." "Ah!" said the Doctor, "we must follow the old receipt for cooking a hare in the present instance. We must first catch the offender." And the good Doctor smiled. "Well, Doctor, much success to you. Will you not permit me to convey you to the college?" The hair upon Sir Asinus's head stood up; then at the Doctor's reply he breathed freely again. That reply was: "No, I thank you; your Excellency is very good, but it is only a step." And the Doctor rode on with a bow. Behind him rode Jacques, who had recognised his friend's horse, caught a glimpse of him through the window, and now regarded him with languid interest. The chariot drew up at the gate of the palace. A liveried servant offered his arm to the Governor; and passing along the walk beneath the Scotch lindens which lined it, they entered the mansion. The Governor led the way to his study, passing through two large apartments ornamented with globe lamps and portraits of the King and Queen. Once in his favorite leather chair, his Excellency ordered wine to be brought, emptied two or three glasses, and then receiving a pipe from a servant, lit it by means of a coal respectfully held in readiness, and commenced smoking. Sir Asinus declined the pipe proffered to him, but applied himself to the old sherry with great gusto--much to his Excellency's satisfaction. "You were near being discovered," said Fauquier, smiling; "then you would have been made an example." "_Ex gracia exempli_," said Sir Asinus, emptying his glass, and translating into the original respectfully.