nd think I understand it quite
well."

He was evidently surprised at this statement, but after a little
consideration said it was very necessary to be expert in the subject,
and thought I had better learn it more thoroughly. He returned to
his bedroom and brought a copy of Fowler's "Phrenology," the very
book so familiar to me. I had to go over it again, and did so
very carefully, paying special attention to the study of the four
temperaments,--nervous, bilious, lymphatic, and sanguine.

Before many days I again reported progress. The doctor seemed a
little impatient, but asked me some questions about the position
of the organs and other matters pertaining to the subject, which I
answered promptly and correctly by putting my fingers on them on
my own head. But though satisfied with the answers, it was easy
to see that he was not satisfied with me. He had, on one or two
previous occasions, intimated that I was not wise and prudent in
worldly matters. Now he expressed himself more plainly.

"This world is all a humbug, and the biggest humbug is the best man.
That 's the Yankee doctrine, and that 's the reason the Yankees
get along so well. You have no organ of secretiveness. You have
a window in your breast that every one can look into and see what
you are thinking about. You must shut that window up, like I do.
No one can tell from my talk or looks what I am thinking about."

It may seem incredible to the reader that I marveled much at
the hidden meaning of this allegorical speech, and never for one
moment supposed it to mean: "I, Dr. Foshay, with my botanic system
of medicine, am the biggest humbug in these parts, and if you are
going to succeed with me you must be another." But I had already
recognized the truth of his last sentence. Probably neither of us
had heard of Talleyrand, but from this time I saw that his hearty
laugh and lively talk were those of a manikin.

His demeanor toward me now became one of complete gravity, formality,
and silence. He was always kindly, but never said an unnecessary
word, and avoided all reference to reading or study. The mystery
which enveloped him became deeper month after month. In his presence
I felt a certain awe which prevented my asking any questions as to
his intentions toward me.

It must, of course, be a matter of lifelong regret that two years
so important in one's education should have been passed in such a
way,--still, they were not wholly misspent.