CHAPTER XXXIII 



First our pleasures die, and then 



Our hopes, and then our fears, and when 



These are dead the debt is due. 



Dust claims dust and we die too. 



SHELLEY. 



Unpleasant incidents The fabrication of lacto-bacilli St. Leger- 

 en-Yvelines Return to Paris First cardiac attack Evolution 

 of the death-instinct Notes on his symptoms. 



THE end of 1912 had some unexpected emotions in 

 store for us. 



Metchnikofi had always been able to congratulate 

 himself on the cordial hospitality which he had found 

 in France, and to the end of his life he remained 

 deeply grateful for it. 



But, in any country, incidents may occur about 

 which it would be unjust to generalise when they are 

 due to individuals or to particular limited circles, 

 as was the fact in the present case. In spite of 

 the broad and generous ideas so widespread in 

 France, a sudden current of narrow nationalism 

 became manifest, at this moment, in certain quarters. 

 Foreigners were accused of invading the country, of 

 occupying lucrative posts and increasing the diffi- 

 culties of the bitter struggle for existence. At first, 

 only vague allusions were made, but, little by little, 

 the attacks of that nationalist circle went beyond all 

 bounds of justice and decency and turned into brutal 



225 Q 



