“But not by address,” said Clarence. “I can tell you a method of counting her pulse, without her knowing it, without her seeing you, without your seeing her.” “Indeed!” said Dr. X----, smiling; “that may be a useful secret in my profession; pray impart it to me--you who excel in every thing.” “Are you in earnest, Mr. Hervey?” said Belinda. “Perfectly in earnest--my secret is quite simple. Look through the door at the shadow of Queen Elizabeth’s ruff--observe how it vibrates; the motion as well as the figure is magnified in the shadow. Cannot you count every pulsation distinctly?” “I can,” said Dr. X----, “and I give you credit for making an ingenious use of a trifling observation.” The doctor paused and looked round. “Those people cannot hear what we are saying, I believe?” “Oh, no,” said Belinda, “they are intent upon themselves.” Doctor X---- fixed his eyes mildly upon Clarence Hervey, and exclaimed in an earnest friendly tone--“What a pity, Mr. Hervey, that a young man of your talents and acquirements, a man who might be any thing, should--pardon the expression--choose to be--nothing; should waste upon petty objects powers suited to the greatest; should lend his soul to every contest for frivolous superiority, when the same energy concentrated might ensure honourable pre-eminence among the first men in his country. Shall he who might not only distinguish himself in any science or situation, who might not only acquire personal fame, but, oh, far more noble motive! who might be permanently useful to his fellow-creatures, content himself with being the evanescent amusement of a drawing-room?--Shall one, who might be great in public, or happy in private life, waste in this deplorable manner the best years of his existence--time that can never be recalled?--This is declamation!--No: it is truth put into the strongest language that I have power to use, in the hope of making some impression: I speak from my heart, for I have a sincere regard for you, Mr. Hervey, and if I have been impertinent, you must forgive me.” “Forgive you!” cried Clarence Hervey, taking Dr. X---- by the hand, “I think you a real friend; you shall have the best thanks not in words, but in actions: you have roused my ambition, and I will pursue noble ends by noble means. A few years have been sacrificed; but the lessons that they have taught me remain. I cannot, presumptuous as I am, flatter myself that my exertions can be of any material utility to my fellow-creatures, but what I can do I will, my excellent friend! If I be hereafter either successful in public, or happy in private life, it is to you I shall owe it.” Belinda was touched by the candour and good sense with which Clarence Hervey spoke. His character appeared in a new light: she was proud of her own judgment, in having discerned his merit, and for a moment she permitted herself to feel “unreproved pleasure in his company.”