and business of thy profession; and I should but have
disturbed thee with my visits. But now speak," said he, ending his
discourse: "I see from thy looks that a particular request brings thee
to me."

Jussuf blushed that his master should have so seen through him, and
then related to him how the numerous cares and exertions of his
business had produced a prejudicial effect on his health, and how he
had been obliged to seek diversion; that he had then renewed a
partiality which he had in his boyish years, and had again begun to
collect butterflies and other insects. "But," continued he, "the
necessary knowledge is wanting to me. Some days ago I bought by chance
a collection of butterflies, of whose names and native country I know
nothing." He drew out the box at these words, and held it open before
the old man.

But hardly had he glanced at it when he shook his head silently; and,
considering, at last he said, "Poor Jussuf! Still thou wishest to
inquire about it as of secondary import, as if I did not know that
thou only comest to me for this reason. Art thou gone so far as to
play the hypocrite with thy old master?"

"Well, then, I am curious to learn the name and the country of this
butterfly," answered Jussuf, with a trembling voice.

Then the grey haired old man raised himself from his cushion, and
looked at Jussuf with such a searching and piercing glance, that he
was constrained through his shame to cast down his eyes.

"Still, I should do thee injustice were I to blame thee," continued
he: "I know that thou art still innocent. I can only lament that thou
shouldst have fallen into the snares of my implacable enemy. In order
to obtain the victory over me, she will seek to ruin thee." He laid
his hand on his forehead, and sank into profound reflection.

At last Jussuf broke silence, and said, "I do not understand thee.
What enemy dost thou mean? See, it is my fault for not having told
thee the whole openly. Now shalt thou know all." He then related to
him, without any reserve, the transactions of the previous days.

When he had finished, the old man answered, "Now thou hast been candid
with me, and hast a claim to equal sincerity on my side. But I know
that thou art not now capable of hearing the truth--that it is a
useless trouble to attempt to cure thee of thy delusion. If I were to
conceal the native land of the butterflies from thee, I know that thou
wouldst find ways and means of learning what thou now