It is these very psychological considerations which form the basis of

the social argument which I intend to demonstrate in the important work

which I am preparing for the Academy of Science, and which I introduce

as follows:-"Revered Mother, "Among the learned and celebrated members of whom your illustrious

Society so justly boasts, the most competent have already determined to

their satisfaction the general principles which should regulate the

study of biology. It would be the height of presumption on my part to

set up my unworthy opinion against theirs, were it not for the fact that

I can adduce, as a justification for doing so, certain data in my own

possession which very few, probably, of these highly-respected

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authorities could have procured under such favourable conditions as I

have been enabled to do. As the nephew of a Pasha I have, &c."

As you perceive, this modest preface is well calculated to soothe the

delicate susceptibilities of the Institute.

The civilization of my Kondjé-Gul has become quite the most delightful

subject of study for me. It presents a complete romance in itself, and

the denial which I have imposed upon myself adds a certain charm to it.

I must tell you that her stay with Madame Montier has gradually produced

a number of unforeseen complications. Commodore Montague has returned;

one of the consequences of which is that the intimacy between the Misses

Maud and Suzannah Montague and the ward of worthy Omer-Rashid-Effendi,

which has seemed to him a most desirable one, has been so much

encouraged that they have become inseparable, and Kondjé-Gul has of

course been invited by her young friends to entertainments given by

their father--invitations which she has been unable to decline for fear,

thereby, of arousing suspicions.

Discretion on my part, you will thus perceive, has become more than ever

necessary, so long as Kondjé-Gul remains with Madame Montier. Our

amorous relations are absolutely reduced to epistolary effusions, and to

clandestine meetings, to bring about which we have recourse to all the

stratagems employed by separated lovers. There is a certain piquancy in

these adventures which affords us much delight--so true is it that the

deprivation of a pleasure enhances its value. In the morning Kondjé-Gul

takes riding-lessons in the Bois with Maud and Suzannah, who are

accompanied by their father. I sometimes take a canter that way, in

order to watch their party ride by. She looks charming in her

riding-habit, and the Montague girls are really very pretty, especially

Maud, who has a pert little playful expression which is very

fascinating.




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