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"Well, I think that some day he will surprise the world: he is a most profound thinker, and has that dangerous trait for opponents, a clearness of perception which cuts through the rind of a subject, and eviscerates the real core of it with extraordinary ease. You know " "Now you are going to talk politics," said Hoffland, laughing. "No," said Ernest.
Denis and himself, he said, had at first commenced conversing in a very friendly manner, the conversation had then grown animated, and Mr. Mowbray in vain endeavored to arrive at the particulars of the affair. Hoffland obstinately evaded detailing the cause of the quarrel. "Well, Charles," said Mowbray, "you are certainly unlucky to quarrel so quickly at college; but "
Mowbray raised his head, and seeing Jacques, smiled sadly and thoughtfully; then his breast moved, and a profound sigh issued from his lips: he made no reply. "Why!" cried Hoffland, "you have just been guilty, Ernest, of a ceremony which none but a woman should perform. What a sigh!" Mowbray turned away his head. "I was only thinking," he said calmly. "Thinking of what?" "Nothing."
"You have excellent spirits, Charles," he said; "I almost envy you." "No, indeed, I have not," said Hoffland, with one of his strange transitions from gaiety to thoughtfulness; "I wear more than one mask, Ernest." "Are you ever sad?" "Yes, indeed," said Hoffland, with a little sigh. "Well, well, I fancy 'tis not frequently.
When they had reached the open street, and the crowd of curious students were no longer visible, Hoffland, growing gradually calmer, and with faint smiles, related to his companion what had just occurred; that is to say, in general terms rather in substance, it must be confessed, than in detail. Mr.
"My feelings are not wounded, Ernest," Hoffland said, with a bright glance which shone like the sun after an April shower; "I only only thought you were not right in abusing Rosalind; and and calling me 'an inexperienced youth! I am not an inexperienced youth," he laughed; "but let us dismiss the subject. What oppresses you, Ernest? I can't bear to see you sad." "My thoughts," said Mowbray.
Hoffland looked sidewise at his companion for a moment with a curious smile, and said: "Ernest." "Well, Charles." "How would you like to have but it is too foolish." "Go on: finish your sentence." "No, you will laugh." "Perhaps I shall: I hope so," Mowbray said, sadly smiling. There was so much sadness in his tones, spite of the smile, that Hoffland's eyes filled with tears.
"No, I won't!" said Hoffland; "you are just trying to confuse and embarrass me. I will not tell you any more: but cousin Lucy understands; don't you, Miss Lucy?" "Quite enough to understand that we occupy a closer relationship than we seem to," said Lucy, threatening to burst into laughter.
"Seventh: I bequeath my 'Essay upon the Hebrew Letter Aleph' to the College of William and Mary, requesting that it shall be disposed of to some scientific body in Europe, for not less than twenty thousand pounds that sum to be dedicated to the founding of a new professorship to be called the Hoffland Professorship for the instruction of young men going to woo their sweethearts.
"Youth, youth!" he murmured; "youth, so full of joy and lightness so careless and gay-hearted! Here is a man or a child who in twenty-four hours may be lying cold in death yonder, and he smiles and even laughs. Hoffland," he added, "let us cease our discussions in relation to the origin of this unhappy affair, and endeavor to decide upon the course to be pursued.
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