TWO YOUNG NATURALISTS. 



Bene, whom we shall soon see, fair and tall, and 

 excessively slender, apparently only maintaining his 

 upright position by some sort of permanent gymnastic 

 feat, Parisian to the soul, playing the sceptic, and 

 careless by nature, was never so pleased as when 

 "masters" and professors would allow him to work 

 or dream in his own fashion, according to the caprice 

 of the moment. He was quite unattracted by the 

 study of either the exact or the natural sciences. 

 According to a favourite expression of his own, he 

 could not understand how any one could seek con- 

 verse with plants, animals, or stones ; and he pre- 

 ferred the boulevard to the country, a scene at the 

 theatre to a beautiful view, and could disconcert 

 with a single word his dear cousin, Leon, who 

 had often tried in vain to convert him to his own 

 ideas. 



In the midst of the reflections of our two friends 

 there was heard the long metallic note sounded by the 

 horn of the distant signalman, repeated nearer and 

 nearer like a reversed echo. Leon, the doctor, and 

 others who had scattered themselves while waiting 

 for the train, now gathered together with eagerness. 



Soon a prolonged rumbling was heard, a cloud of 

 smoke appeared in the cutting, spreading its broad 

 grey flakes over the blue sky, the whistle sounded 

 twice, and the train was in the station. 



" Here I am at last," cried a gay voice, and at the 



