many encumbrances and great obstacles on the road. But whensoever
some sage shall be able to do it, mankind will be the equal of
Sylphs and Salamanders in intelligence and beauty."

My good tutor listened to these words, folded in himself, his head
sadly lowered. He seemed to contemplate the changes to himself from
the kind of food imagined by our host.

"Sir," he said after a while, "did you not speak at yonder cookshop
of an elixir which dispenses with all kinds of food?"

"True, I did," replied M. d'Asterac, "but that liquor is only good
for philosophers, and by that you may understand how restricted is
the use of it. It will be better not to mention it."

One doubt tormented me. I asked leave of our host to submit it to
him, certain that he would enlighten me at once. He allowed me to
speak and I said:

"Sir, those Salamanders, who you say are so beautiful, and of whom,
after your relation, I have conceived a charming idea, have they
unhappily spoiled their teeth by light drinking, as the shepherds at
Valais lost theirs by feeding only on milk diet? I confess I am
rather uneasy about it."

"My son," replied M. d'Asterac, "your curiosity pleases me and I
will satisfy it. The Salamanders have no teeth that we should call
such. But their gums are furnished with two ranges of pearls, very
white and very brilliant, lending to their smiles an inconceivable
gracefulness. You should know that these pearls are light-hardened."