The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

524
Ihe Highland Monthly.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE TEMPTATION.
' Yes, my daughter, her nature being dutiful, has talked
this matter over with me," the Professor was saying to
Richard, drawing his chair away from the microscope, with
which he had been found engrossed as on the previous
occasion. " We both agreed that the situation was complicated,
considering the principles of human happiness we
hold and endeavour to promote—endeavour to promote."
" You said, sir, that 'twere better one should suffer than
that the happiness of three should be ruined," replied
Richard with alacrity.
" It is there the difficulty comes in," replied the Pro-
fessor, elevating his eyebrows at the discovery that his
words had made an impression. This youth is impressionable
(so ran his thoughts during a pause) ; now for part
second of the lesson. " Would you, for instance, or Julia
either, be perfectly happy together in the knowledge that
you had blighted the life of another human being of tender
sympathies ?"
" Then your theory is nonsense," retorted Richard so
vigorously that the Professor again raised his eyebrows.
" Not if you understand it in all its bearings—remember,
in all its bearings."
mentioned something about experiments,
" I see ; you
such as treating the emotions with medicine."
" Precisely."
" I did not take you seriously. Professor, 'pon my word."
" Ah, not being a student in such matters, you have not
grasped the possibility of it. Perhaps you will still enter-
tain doubts though I inform you that my experiments have
been completely successful—completely successful."
" I will not say that I doubt your word, seeing you are
so much more learned that I am ; but, sir, you will allow