You have heard of the late Professor Lecomte, the eminent Swiss
naturalist? I am his widow. The English circle at Zurich (where I
lived in my late master's service) Anglicized my name to Lecount. Your
generous country people will have nothing foreign about them--not even
a name, if they can help it. But I was speaking of my husband--my dear
husband, who permitted me to assist him in his pursuits. I have had only
one interest since his death--an interest in science. Eminent in many
things, the professor was great at reptiles. He left me his Subjects
and his Tank. I had no other legacy. There is the Tank. All the Subjects
died but this quiet little fellow--this nice little toad. Are you
surprised at my liking him? There is nothing to be surprised at. The
professor lived long enough to elevate me above the common prejudice
against the reptile creation. Properly understood, the reptile creation
is beautiful. Properly dissected, the reptile creation is instructive
in the last degree." She stretched out her little finger, and gently
stroked the toad's back with the tip of it. "So refreshing to the
touch," said Mrs. Lecount--"so nice and cool this summer weather!"
The bell from the parlor rang.
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