[44 ADVENTURES OF MR. VERDANT GREEN]

his son's adornment. At last he fixed upon a shop, the window of
which contained a more imposing display than its neighbours of gowns,
hoods, surplices, and robes of all shapes and colours, from the black
velvet-sleeved proctor's to the blushing gorgeousness of the scarlet
robe and crimson silk sleeves of the D.C.L.

"I wish you," said Mr. Green, advancing towards a smirking
individual, who was in his shirt-sleeves and slippers, but in all
other respects was attired with great magnificence, - "I wish you to
measure this gentleman for his academical robes, and also to allow
him the use of some to be matriculated in."

"Certainly, sir," said the robe-maker, who stood bowing and smirking
before them, - as Hood expressively says,

"Washing his hands with invisible soap,
In imperceptible water;"-

"certainly, sir, if you wish it: but it will scarcely be necessary,
sir; as our custom is so extensive, that we keep a large ready-made
stock constantly on hand."

"Oh, that will do just as well," said Mr. Green; "better, indeed.
Let us see some."

"What description of robe would be required?" said the smirking