Bressant

Thus did the young man argue around his instinct, ignorant that the

poison was at that moment circulating in his blood, and prompting the

very sophistries that his brain produced. He who is cured begets a

wholesome aversion toward what has harmed him; he feels no curiosity to

prove whether or no he be yet open to mischief from it. Bressant's

poison was in fact an elixir, whose delicious intoxication he had

experienced once, and which his whole nature secretly but urgently

craved to taste again.

A result somewhat similar to this was doubtless what Professor Valeyon

aimed at in his plan of developing the emotional and affectional

elements of his pupil, albeit he was far from imagining what might be

the cost and risk to every thing which he himself held most dear. Like

many other men, of otherwise liberal mind and clear insight into

character, he had certain convictions and principles, derived from

contemplating the facts and results of his own life, which he believed

must produce upon other people's mental and moral constitutions as good

an effect as upon his own. And possibly, could we divest our regimen of

life of all personal flavor and conformation, it might, other things

being favorable, suit our friends very tolerably well. But, until we are

able to throw off the fetters of our own individuality, the measure of

our garments can never accurately fit anybody else.

On the morning of the 1st of July, Bressant sat at his table, with his

books and papers about him. He was in an excellent humor, for he had

just arrived at the conclusion that he might, and would, safely

encounter his bugbear Cornelia. If the professor invited him to tea, and

to spend the evening, he was resolved to accept; and, at that moment, he

felt a hand laid upon his shoulder, and, turning quickly round,

recognized the sombre figure of the boarding-house keeper.

Although he had lived with her two weeks, he had not as yet had other

than the briefest communication with her. He probably thought ho had in

hand many matters of more importance than the cultivation of his

landlady's acquaintance; and she, whatever may have been her desire to

carry out the promise she had made to the professor, had not found it

possible to be other than indirectly observant of his welfare.

"I knocked, Mr. Bressant, but I couldn't make you hear. I came to ask

you to do me a little favor, sir."

Bressant had risen to his feet, and stood leaning against the back of

his chair. He nodded and smiled good-naturedly, his hand busy with his

beard, and his eyes taking in, with mild curiosity, the plain and

plainly-dressed woman before him. What favor could she expect him to do

for her? He'd just as lief agree to any thing that wouldn't interfere in

any way with his arrangements. Of course, she wouldn't ask any thing

more. As long as he paid his board-bill, and created no disturbance,

what obligations did he owe her?