would be very troublesome for us to stop anywhere in particular.
I tell you all this so that you many not be surprised if my
recollections have become a little mixed up. But from the moment
I first saw you at a distance this evening, I felt--in fact I knew--
that I had seen you before. Now the question is, 'Where was it
that I saw you?' You are not then, either the geologist or the
provision-merchant?"

"No, Madame," I replied, "I am neither the one nor the other; and
I am sorry for it--since you have had reason to esteem them. There
is really nothing about me worthy of your interest. I have spent
all my life poring over books, and I have never traveled: you
might have known that from my bewilderment, which excited your
compassion. I am a member of the Institute."

"You are a member of the Institute! How nice! Will you not write
something for me in my album? Do you know Chinese? I would like
so much to have you write something in Chinese or Persian in my
album. I will introduce you to my friend, Miss Fergusson, who
travels everywhere to see all the famous people in the world. She
will be delighted.... Dimitri, did you hear that?--this gentleman
is a member of the Institute, and he has passed all his life over
books."

The prince nodded approval.

"Monsieur," I said, trying to engage him in our conversation, "it
is true that something can be learned from books; but a great deal
more can be learned by travelling, and I regret that I have not
been able to go round the world like you. I have lived in the same