He came forward to welcome him cordially; he introduced
him with an air of satisfaction; he would have preferred if he had
been in uniform, but he contented himself with the fact that
Carroll, like all men of disciplined limbs, carried himself equally
well in mufti.
"You have shown us everything," said Carroll, smiling, "except the
secret chamber where you keep the magic lamp and ring. Are we not
to see the spot where the incantation that produces these marvels
is held, even if we are forbidden to witness the ceremony? The
ladies are dying to see your sanctum--your study--your workshop--
where you really live."
"You'll find it a mere den, as plain as my bed-room," said Prince,
who prided himself on the Spartan simplicity of his own habits, and
was not averse to the exhibition. "Come this way." He crossed the
hall, and entered a small, plainly furnished room, containing a
table piled with papers, some of which were dusty and worn-looking.
Carroll instantly conceived the idea that these were Dr. West's
property. He took his letter quietly from his pocket; and, when
the attention of the others was diverted, laid it on the table,
with the remark, in an undertone, audible only to Prince, "From
Mrs. Saltonstall."
Aladdin had that sublime audacity which so often fills the place of
tact. Casting a rapid glance at Carroll, he cried, "Hallo!" and,
wheeling suddenly round on his following guests, with a bewildering
extravagance of playful brusqueness, actually bundled them from the
room.
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