"Then since nothing else will do," said the pertinacious intruder,
"convey me this message--to wit, a stranger comes to him on business of
great moment regarding his own welfare and that of the matter or event
whose _corollarium_ he is now studying."
Lettice, wearied through his importunity, and hoping by compliance to
rid herself from these solicitations, went to the Doctor's private
chamber, where, having delivered her message through the thumb-hole of
the latch--for on no account would he allow of personal intrusion--to
her great surprise, he bade her be gone.
"Show the stranger up-stairs," said he. "Why hast thou kept him so long
tarrying?"
Lettice, with little speed and less good-will, obeyed the Doctor's
behest, grumbling loud at the capricious and uncertain humours of her
master.
The visitor was at length ushered into the presence of this celebrated
scholar and professor of the celestial sciences, whose predictions at
one period astonished Europe; his presence, like some portentous comet,
threatening war and disaster, perplexing even emperors and princes, and
filling them with apprehension and dismay.
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