The philosopher extended his arm, which seemed to me to be
remarkably elongated as it reached right over the whole of the
table, to take back the little book from the hands of my learned
tutor.

"It is sufficient," he said, pushing the _Stromata_ back into
his pocket. "I see, reverend sir, that you understand Greek, You
have well translated this passage, at least in a vulgar and literal
sense. I intend to make your and your pupil's fortune; I'll employ
both of you to translate at my house the Greek texts I have received
from Egypt."

And turning towards my father, he continued:

"I think, Master Cook, you will consent to let me have your son to
make him a learned man and a great one. Should it be too much for
your fatherly love to give him entirely to me, I would pay out of my
own pocket for a scullion as his substitute in your cookshop."

"As your lordship understands it like that," replied my father, "I
shall not prevent you doing good to my son."

"Always under the condition," said my mother, "that it is not to be
at the expense of his soul. You'll have to affirm on your oath to me
that you are a good Christian."

"Barbe," said my father, "you are a holy and worthy woman, but you
oblige me to make my excuses to this gentleman for your want of
politeness, which is caused less, to say the truth, by the natural