Page:Rowland--In the shadow.djvu/82

 I saw his in flower; it was not half the size of this, and far less brilliant." He turned to Sir Henry. "When you told me of the orchid I thought it probable that it was the plant which I sent you from the Essequibo, a new variety also; I called it the Phælenopsis Leydensis."

Guijon stepped back; his round, blood-shot eyes reddened by the cheap, muddy sour wines which he swilled daily, fastened on the face of the scientist. "Gaste! and you tell me that you are the great Leyden! … the botanist!"

"No," answered Leyden, a touch of austerity in his tone. "I am Leyden the collector; I know less of botany than I do of beasts, less of beasts than I should."

Guijon bowed; Virginia listened for the crack of his vertebræ.

"I have read your books," said Guijon humbly. "They are masterly. My greenhouses are honored."

Giles joined them at this moment, and Dr. Leyden greeted him warmly. They returned to the house.

"Dessalines is coming for dinner," said Giles to Virginia. "I thought that I should ask him; he told me that he might have to leave at any moment."

Leyden caught at the name. "Dessalines … Dessalines," he repeated. "A Frenchman? ah! Dessalines was the name of the liberator of Hayti."

"He is a Haytian," said Sir Henry. "A young man to whom we are under the greatest obligation. He saved our two children from drowning!"

"So! You astonish me!" exclaimed Leyden. He glanced quickly from Sir Henry to Virginia.

"Come, Maurits," said Sir Henry. "I wish you to 72