THE PRETENDED GUARDIAN.
Philip played with excellent effect, and his efforts were received with
as much favor at Knoxville as at Wilkesville. He was twice encored, and
at the end of each of his selections he was greeted with applause.
As for Professor Riccabocca, people hardly knew what to make of him. He
was as eccentric and extravagant as ever, and his recitations were
received with good-natured amusement. He didn’t lack for applause,
however. There were some boys on the front seats who applauded him,
just for the fun of it. Though the applause was ironical, the professor
persuaded himself that it was genuine, and posed before the audience at
each outburst, with his hand on his heart, and his head bent so far
over that he seemed likely to lose his balance.
“We are making a grand success, Mr. Gray,” he said, during the interval
of ten minutes already referred to. “Did you notice how they applauded
me?”
“Yes,” answered Philip, with a smile.
“They evidently appreciate true genius. It reminds me of the ovation
they gave me at Cincinnati last winter.”
“Does it?” asked Philip, still smiling.
“Yes. I was a great favorite in that intellectual city. By the way, I
noticed that they seemed well pleased with your playing also.”
This he said carelessly, as if Philip’s applause was not to be compared
to his.
“Yes, they treat me very kindly,” answered Philip.
“You are fortunate in having me to introduce you to the public,” said
the professor emphatically. “The name of Riccabocca is so well known,
that it is of great advantage to you.”
The professor deluded himself with the idea that he was a great
elocutionist, and that the public rated him as highly as he did
himself. When anything occurred that did not seem to favor this view,
he closed his eyes to it, preferring to believe that he was a popular
favorite.
“I hope I shall never be so deceived about myself,” thought Philip.
When the entertainment was over, Mr. Caswell, president of the club,
came up to Philip and said cordially:
“Mr. Gray, we are very much indebted to you. Thanks to you, we are out
of debt, and shall have a balance of from twelve to fifteen dollars in
the treasury.”
“I am very glad of it,” said Philip.
“So am I,” said the professor, pushing forward, jealous lest Philip
should get more than his share of credit.
“And we are indebted to you also, Professor Riccabocca,” said the
president, taking the hint.
“You are entirely welcome, sir,” said Riccabocca loftily. “My help has
often been asked in behalf of charitable organizations. I remember
once, in Philadelphia, I alone raised five hundred dollars for a—a—I
think it was a hospital.”
This was an invention, but Professor Riccabocca had no scruple in
getting up little fictions which he thought likely to redound to his
credit and increase his reputation.
“Doubtless you are often called upon also, Mr. Gray,” suggested Mr.
Caswell with a smile.
“No,” answered Philip. “This is the first time that I have ever had the
opportunity.”
“There’s no humbug about the boy,” thought Mr. Caswell. “As for the
professor, he is full of it.”
“I have pleasure in handing you the price agreed upon,” said the
president, presenting each with a ten-dollar bill.
“Thank you,” said Philip.
Professor Riccabocca carelessly tucked the bill into his vest pocket,
as if it were a mere trifle.
At this moment, Mr. Turner came up with all the other gentleman. “Mr.
Gray,” he said, “here is a gentleman who wishes to speak to you.”
Philip looked up, and saw the well-known figure of Squire Pope.