A MODERN LOYOLA. 175 



Here I begin to feel that my exordium to my dis- 

 course in relating the incidental anecdotes I have in 

 stocks, is long enough and that I must come to facts. 



In the period included between 187- and 188- I 

 cannot be precise. I had one day the visit of two per. 

 sons, whose external appearances looked to me as per- 

 taining to the clerical profession; one of them 

 especially, realizing my ideal of a Catholic priest in 

 his outlines, that is to say from head to foot, in his all 

 individual, dress, countenance, a rubicund glossy 

 looking face, and with all that a sort of intellectual 

 ? I cannot very well find an adequate expres- 

 sion to define the thing, only, I fancied that there was 

 something not genial a sort of coarseness in the whole, 

 in the course of time I found that my suspicions were 

 real, too much so, ten times under my approximation. 

 You will be able to appreciate it when we come to the 

 performance of the actor Artifex dolosus ! .... etc., 

 etc., etc. 



However he introduced himself as a man well posted 

 with botanical technicalities, that which drew my at- 

 tention, and he seemed to be aware of it. He con- 

 versed fairly enough, but his elocution did not seduce 

 me, true, I was ill disposed to do him justice. I up- 

 braided myself for being so prejudiced against him, 

 but I could not help it. 



