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Rh had a great aptitude for philosophical research, and that it was a sacred duty with him to devote his days and his nights to it.

"And what is your own belief?" Benvolio asked, remembering that the young girl knew several of his poems by heart.

Her answer was very simple: "I believe you're a poet."

"And a poet oughtn't to run the risk of turning pedant?"

"No," she answered; "a poet ought to run all risks—even that one which for a poet, perhaps, is the most cruel. But he ought to evade them all!"

Benvolio took great satisfaction in hearing that the Professor deemed that he had in him the making of a philosopher, and it gave an impetus to the zeal with which he returned to work.