ysses the right to be curious? Should not memories of Calypso
incline him to unlock the fetters of Penelope?"

"Did she ever for one instant deem the silken cords she hugged to her
loyal, tender heart--fetters? Sweet, patient incarnation of
unquestioning fidelity, she stands the eternal antithesis of Mrs.
Caudle. From Kittie's letter, I inferred you were not well; but
certainly, my dear Leo, I never saw you look more lovely than to-day."

"Just now Kittie's perceptions are awry, dazzled by the rose light that
wrap? her world. Has Prince arrived?"

"Yes, he came yesterday, and my little sister is entirely and
overwhelmingly happy, for he is literally her Prince. Physically he is
much improved; has developed surprisingly, but has the shy, taciturn
manner of a student, and is, I fear, a hopeless bookworm."

"Why should his literary taste disquiet you? He went to Germany to
foster his scholarly inclination."

"Why? Why should a man apprentice himself to a carpenter, and become an
expert joiner, when he can never obtain the tools requisite to enable
him to work successfully? His aspirations run along the grooves of
science; and after dear little Kittie, his favorite Goddess is Biology.
Trained in the laboratory of a German scientist, where every imaginable
facility for researches in vivisection, and for the investigation of
certain biological problems was afforded him, he lands in America
empty-handed, and behold my carpenter minus tools."

"Having fitted himself for the profession, you surely will not attempt
now to discourage or dissuade him."

"The logic of impecuniosity will doubtless accomplish more than the
dissuasion of friends. Microscopic inspection of red and white
corpuscles, of virus, tissues, protoplasm and chlorophyl is probably
very interesting to lovers of microbes, and students of segmentation,
but such abstract pursuits appertain to purple and fine linen. A
profession means much; but ability to practise, infinitely more. Just
now the paramount problem is, how Prince can best make his bread. Six
months ago, he was prospectively so rich that he could indulge the whim
of blowing scientific soap-bubbles labelled with abstruse symbols; at
present, necessity directs his attention to paying his board bills."

"I thought a liberal allowance had been settled upon him, and ample
provision made for his future?"

"So there certainly was, on paper; but the destruction of the record
invalidated the gift."

"