Page:Chesterton - The Club of Queer Trades.djvu/226

The Club of Queer Trades salons. But neither branch of knowledge had accustomed him to the spectacle of two gray-haired middle-class gentlemen in modern costume throwing themselves about like acrobats, as a substitute for an after-dinner nap.

The professor continued his antics with perfect placidity, but Grant stopped abruptly. The doctor had reappeared on the scene, and his shiny black eyes, under his shiny black hat, moved restlessly from one of them to the other.

"Dr. Colman," said Basil, turning to him, "will you entertain Professor Chadd again for a little while? I am sure that he needs you. Mr. Bingham, might I have the pleasure of a few moments' private conversation? My name is Grant."

Mr. Bingham of the British Museum bowed in a manner that was respectful but a trifle bewildered.

"Miss Chadd will excuse me," continued Basil, easily, "if I know my way about the house." And he led the dazed librarian rapidly through the back door into the parlor. 206