"I'll see you home."
"Oh no, sir, indeed," protested simple-hearted Jenkins; "I'd not think
of such a thing. I should feel quite ashamed, sir, at the thought of
your being seen arm-in-arm with me in the street. I can go quite well
alone; I can, indeed, sir."
Arthur burst out laughing. "I wish you wouldn't be such an old duffer,
Jenkins--as the college boys have it! Do you suppose I should let you
go home by yourself? Come along."
Drawing Jenkins's arm within his own, Arthur turned with him. Jenkins
really did not like it. Sensitive to a degree was he: and, to his
humble mind, it seemed that Arthur was out of place, walking familiarly
with him.
"You must have been doing something to tire yourself," said Arthur as
they went along.
"It has been a pretty busy day, sir, now Mr. Galloway's away. I did not
go home to dinner, for one thing."
"And Mr. Roland Yorke absent for another, I suppose?"
"Only this afternoon, sir. His uncle, Lord Carrick, has arrived. Oh,
sir!" broke off Jenkins, stopping in a panic, "here's his lordship the
bishop coming along! Whatever shall you do?"
"Do!" returned Arthur, scarcely understanding him. "What should I do?"
"To think that he should see you thus with the like of me!"
It amused Arthur exceedingly. Poor, lowly-minded Jenkins! The bishop
appeared to divine the state of the case, for he stopped when he came
up. Possibly he was struck by the wan hue which overspread Jenkins's
face.
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