'What a morning, what an hour for a theorist of forty-two! No,' he continued, apostrophising heaven, 'I did not know such boys existed; I was ignorant they made them so; I had doubted of my race; and now! It is like,' he added, picking up his stick, 'like a lovers' meeting.

I have bruised my favourite staff in that moment of enthusiasm.

The injury, however, is not grave.' He caught the boy looking at him in obvious wonder, embarrassment, and alarm.

'Hullo!' said he, 'why do you look at me like that?
Egad, I believe the boy despises me.

Do you despise me, boy ?' 'O, no,' replied Jean-Marie, seriously; 'only I do not understand.' 'You must excuse me, sir,' returned the Doctor, with gravity; 'I am still so young.