“I beg your pardon,” stammered Hugh. But Mr. Arnold interposed:
“A lecture on what, did you say?”
“On biology.”
Mr. Arnold looked posed. He did not like to say he did not know what the word meant; for, like many more ignorant men, he thought such a confession humiliating. Von Funkelstein hastened to his relief.
“It would be rather surprising if you were acquainted with the subject, Mr. Arnold. I fear to explain it to you, lest both Mr. Sutherland and myself should sink irrecoverably in your estimation. But young men want to know all that is going on.”
Herr Funkelstein was not exactly what one would call a young man; but, as he chose to do so himself, there was no one to dispute the classification.
“Oh! of course,” replied Mr. Arnold; “quite right. What, then, pray, is biology?”
“A science, falsely so called,” said Hugh, who, waking up a little, wanted to join in the conversation.
“What does the word mean?” said Mr. Arnold.
Von Funkelstein answered at once: