replied the Professor.

"I have understood," continued the stranger, "that he will command the
detachment ordered on duty at the execution to-morrow. I am particularly
desirous to stand near the criminal at the moment of decapitation, and
wish, through your kind interference with the Lieutenant, to obtain
admission within the circle."

"By all means," answered the Professor. "My nephew has invited me to
accompany him, but I have declined it, and I must own that your request
surprises me no little. How is it, my dear Julius, that you, who are by
nature and habit so gentle and fastidious, can seek such strong aliment
as the near inspection of a public execution? Even I, who served three
campaigns in the artillery before I betook myself to mathematics, could
not face a catastrophe so appalling."

"I study anatomy as an amateur," replied Julius, somewhat disconcerted;
"and, as I may eventually embrace the medical profession, it is
essential to my purpose to steel my nerves by inuring them to every
trying spectacle."

"You are right, Julius!" exclaimed the Professor, with cordial assent.
"Trials are the fostering element of great hearts and lofty natures. To
become great in anything, we must take the Egyptian test, and purify our
feeble minds by passing through fire and water. Call upon me to-morrow
morning at seven. I will introduce you to my nephew, and he shall give
you a place near the headsman. And now, not another word on this painful
subject, which has haunted us ever since we heard the workmen hammering
the scaffold this afternoon. So cheer up, my dear boys! Light the
candles, and fill your meerschaums, while I compound a bowl of such
punch as Anacreon would have made, had he known how.--No, no! my dear
Julius," he continued, seizing the arm of the young stranger, who was
rising to depart. "A friendly chance has brought you into our cordial
circle, and I must insist upon your remaining my guest."

In vain did the three students, by whom Julius was more respected than
liked, indicate by significant looks their objection to his stay; the
benevolent Professor, who had long observed, with better feelings than
curiosity, the pale features and habitual depression of a youth
distinguished by great intellectual promise, persevered in his
hospitable attempt, and at length succeeded in subduing his visible
reluctance to stay.

Julius Arenbourg had been three years a student at the university, but
his retiring habits and