At the same time, the methodical bookkeeper's habit of thought and his clear-sightedness in business were a thousand leagues from that absent-minded, flighty character, half-artist, half-inventor.

He judged him by himself, having no conception of the condition of a man with the disease of invention, absorbed by a fixed idea.

Such men are somnambulists.

They look, but do not see, their eyes being turned within.
It was Sigismond's belief that Risler did see.

That belief made the old cashier very unhappy.