Such is the impulse of the natural soul; such was the constitution of primaeval man.

And I--well, I will not refuse the credit--I have preserved my youth like a virginity; another, who should have led the same snoozing, countryfied existence for these years, another had become rusted, become stereotype; but I, I praise my happy constitution, retain the spring unbroken.

Fresh opulence and a new sphere of duties find me unabated in ardour and only more mature by knowledge.

For this prospective change, Jean-Marie--it may probably have shocked you.

Tell me now, did it not strike you as an inconsistency?
Confess--it is useless to dissemble--it pained you ?' 'Yes,' said the boy.
'You see,' returned the Doctor, with sublime fatuity, 'I read your thoughts! Nor am I surprised--your education is not yet complete; the higher duties of men have not been yet presented to you fully.