This book, whether accidentally or not, was so
turned outwardly from the person as to discover the words "Rituel
Catholique" in white letters upon the back. His entire physiognomy was
interestingly saturnine- even cadaverously pale. The forehead was
lofty, and deeply furrowed with the ridges of contemplation. The
corners of the mouth were drawn down into an expression of the most
submissive humility. There was also a clasping of the hands, as he
stepped toward our hero- a deep sigh- and altogether a look of such
utter sanctity as could not have failed to be unequivocally
preposessing. Every shadow of anger faded from the countenance of
the metaphysician, as, having completed a satisfactory survey of his
visiter's person, he shook him cordially by the hand, and conducted
him to a seat.
There would however be a radical error in attributing this
instantaneous transition of feeling in the philosopher, to any one
of those causes which might naturally be supposed to have had an
influence. Indeed, Pierre Bon-Bon, from what I have been able to
understand of his disposition, was of all men the least likely to be
imposed upon by any speciousness of exterior deportment. It was
impossible that so accurate an observer of men and things should
have failed to discover, upon the moment, the real character of the
personage who had thus intruded upon his hospitality.
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