"Have you extended your
inquiries, sir," she proceeded, after a momentary hesitation, "to my
late husband's branch of science? I merely ask, Mr. Bygrave, because
(though I am only a woman) I think I might exchange ideas with you on
the subject of the reptile creation."
Captain Wragge was far too sharp to risk his ready-made science on the
enemy's ground. The old militia-man shook his wary head.
"Too vast a subject, ma'am," he said, "for a smatterer like me. The life
and labors of such a philosopher as your husband, Mrs. Lecount, warn men
of my intellectual caliber not to measure themselves with a giant. May
I inquire," proceeded the captain, softly smoothing the way for future
intercourse with Sea-view Cottage, "whether you possess any scientific
memorials of the late Professor?"
"I possess his Tank, sir," said Mrs. Lecount, modestly casting her eyes
on the ground, "and one of his Subjects--a little foreign Toad."
"His Tank!" exclaimed the captain, in tones of mournful interest; "and
his Toad! Pardon my blunt way of speaking my mind, ma'am. You possess an
object of public interest; and, as one of the public, I acknowledge my
curiosity to see it.
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