The Life of the Fly 



heard about your little animals. I am sorry 

 that I shall have to leave without seeing them. 

 They must wait for another occasion. My 

 train will be starting presently. Walk with me 

 to the station, will you? We shall be alone 

 and we can chat a bit more on the way.' 



We strolled along, discussing entomology 

 and madder. My shyness had disappeared. 

 The self-sufficiency of a fool would have left 

 me dumb; the fine frankness of a lofty mind 

 put me at my ease. I told him of my experi- 

 ments in natural history, of my plans for a 

 professorship, of my fight with harsh fate, my 

 hopes and fears. He encouraged me, spoke to 

 me of a better future. We reached the sta- 

 tion and walked up and down outside, talking 

 away delightfully. 



A poor old woman passed, all in rags, her 

 back bent by age and years of work in the 

 fields. She furtively put out her hand for 

 alms. Duruy felt in his waistcoat, found a 

 two-franc piece and placed it in the out- 

 stretched hand; I wanted to add a couple of 

 sous as my contribution, but my pockets were 

 empty, as usual. I went to the beggar-woman 

 and whispered in her ear : 



'Do you know who gave you that? It's 

 the emperor's minister.' 



460 



