e fellow at first, keeping him in play for nearly a month,
deceiving and laughing at him. At last he discovered that he could make
nothing of me, and departed with the scowl of Caiaphas, whilst I cried
after him, 'The roots of Ararat are _deeper_ than those of Rome.'

The Armenian had occasionally reverted to the subject of the translation
of the Haik Esop, which he had still a lurking desire that I should
execute; but I had invariably declined the undertaking, without, however,
stating my reasons. On one occasion, when we had been conversing on the
subject, the Armenian, who had been observing my countenance for some
time with much attention, remarked, 'Perhaps, after all, you are right,
and you might employ your time to better advantage. Literature is a fine
thing, especially Haik literature, but neither that nor any other would
be likely to serve as a foundation to a man's fortune: and to make a
fortune should be the principal aim of every one's life; therefore listen
to me. Accept a seat at the desk opposite to my Moldavian clerk, and
receive the rudiments of a merchant's education. You shall be instructed
in the Armenian way of doing business--I think you would make an
excellent merchant.'

'Why do you think so?'

'Because you have something of the Armenian look.'

'I understand you,' said I; 'you mean to say that I squint!'

'Not exactly,' said the Armenian, 'but there is certainly a kind of
irregularity in your features. One eye appears to me larger than the
other--never mind, but rather rejoice; in that irregularity consists your
strength. All people with regular features are fools; it is very hard
for them, you'll say, but there is no help: all we can do, who are not in
such a predicament, is to pity those who are. Well! will you accept my
offer? No! you are a singular individual; but I must not forget my own
concerns. I must now go forth, having an appointment by which I hope to
make money.'

CHAPTER FIFTY

WISH FULFILLED--EXTRAORDINARY FIGURE--BUENO--NOAH--THE TWO FACES--I DON'T
BLAME HIM--OF MONEY

The fulfilment of the Armenian's grand wish was nearer at hand than
either he or I had anticipated. Partly owing to the success of a bold
speculation, in which he had some time previously engaged, and partly
owing to the bequest of a large sum of money by one of his nation who
died at this period in Paris, he found himself in the possession of a
fortune somewhat exceeding two hundred th