'No ; I did not lead him for a moment to suppose that I would accept his proposals.'
'That's right. I think I shall be instrumental in saving you from him, and from that female fiend Bellagranda. Have nothing to do with either of them! Ubertus, I fear that you are rather a weak kind of man. Are you fond of wine? I am not impertinent; my profession, position, and the fact that you are under my especial medical care, do away with the suspicion of impertinence and idle curiosity.'
'I acquit you of all ideas of the kind, Doctor. But why do you think I am a weak kind of man?'
'I cannot tell you why. I am not gifted with the power of reading men's thoughts; they are only to be guessed at by visible signs, and frequently the guesses are erroneous, and evil opinions are formed because we delight in tearing holes in each other's coats. I shall not give you any advice. Somebody has said that no one is ever the better for good advice. Some day perhaps I may give you some, but not now; you are not ripe for it. This only I will say: Beware how you sign articles with the Demon, and beware how you encourage his daughter. If she should assail you again, here is an antidote for her poison.'
He took from one of the pockets of his doublet a small packet, and, opening it, displayed a curious shining powder. 'Take a pinch of this,' he said, 'and sprinkle it before her—on her face if possible.'
'And what will be the result, Doctor? It might be terrible!' I exclaimed.
'She will then know that you are protected by a superior power, and will not trouble you again. I have asked you if you are fond of wine, but you did not answer me, I think because the volubility of my own precious tongue precluded the possibility of your doing so.'
'My good friend,' I answered, 'I beg to assure you that
