thout speaking. Leon was deeply affected. He
felt almost as though listening to himself, and there is no human
being who does not find himself entertaining. Leon had grown up
without human companionship, for, in his environment, there was no one
of temperament congenial to his. But he had not lacked for company. He
found that within the covers of those books which he had begged,
borrowed, or bought with hard-earned, and more hardly-saved, pennies.
Miss Grath had never encouraged him to waste his time "reading those
wicked science books," when he should have been studying his
Testament. But he had sat alone in his garret room, on many a night,
reading by a candle, for he dared not use the oil, which was measured
out to last a given time. Thus he had become infatuated with works of
divers kinds: Mythology, Sociology, Theology, Physiology, Psychology,
and other kindred but difficult subjects. Difficult indeed to the
student who is his own teacher. He had come to read his books,
imagining that he listened to the authors talking, and, not
infrequently, carried away by his interest in his subject, he had
caught himself addressing questions aloud to the writer, whom his
fancy pictured as present. Now, for the first time, he had heard a man
"talk like a book." When he recovered from his pleasurable surprise,
he said with emotion and ardor:

"Doctor, if I could be where I might hear you talk, or have you to
teach me, I would be the happiest boy in the world."

"Are you in earnest, Leon, or are you merely carried away by an
emotion, aroused by something which I have said?"

"I am in earnest, but----" here his voice dropped and his tone became
almost sad, "of course I have no right to ask such a favor. Pardon my
presumption."

"Leon, if you mean what you have said; if you will be happy with me;
if you will accept me as your teacher, and endeavor to learn what I
can teach you, your wish shall be gratified."

"What do you mean?" cried Leon, renewed hope stirring within his
breast.

"You know me as a doctor, by which you understand that I physic people
when they are sick. But the true meaning of doctor, is teacher. I am
willing to be that to you, and I know much that I can teach; very much
more than other men. I will take you as my student, if you will come."

"You are very kind, Dr. Medjora, and I could wish for no greater
happiness than the chance to learn. Knowledge to me is God, the God
whom I worship. But I could never