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Hume, Fergus, 1859-1932

"The Green Mummy"

Braddock dined at this
unusual hour--save when there was company--as he did not eat
any luncheon and scorned the very idea of afternoon tea. Two
meals a day, he maintained, was enough for any man who led a
sedentary life, as too much food was apt to clog the wheels of
the intellect. He usually worked in his museum--if the
indulgence of his hobby could be called work--from nine until
four, after which hour he took a short walk in the garden or
through the village. On finishing his dinner he would glance
over some scientific publication, or perhaps, by way of
recreation, play a game or two of patience; but at seven he
invariably retired into his own rooms to renew work. Retirement
to bed took place at midnight, so it can be guessed that the
Professor got through an enormous quantity of work during the
year. A more methodical man, or a more industrious man did not
exist.
But on occasions even this enthusiast wearied of his hobby, and
of the year's routine. A longing to see brother scientists of
his own way of thinking would seize him, and he would abruptly
depart for London, to occupy quiet lodgings, and indulge in
intercourse with his fellow-men. Braddock rarely gave early
intimation of his urban nostalgia.


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