n
the army--or to study the law. Will you favour me with your opinion?"

"You pay me a compliment by asking my advice. A writership in India is
fourteen years' transportation, returning with plenty to live on but no
health to enjoy it. In the army you might do well, and moreover, as an
officer in the army, none dare refuse to go out with you. At the same
time, under your peculiar circumstances, I think if you were in a crack
regiment you would, in all probability, have to fight one half the mess,
and be put in Coventry by the other. You must then exchange on half-pay,
and your commission would be a great help to you. As for the law--I'd
sooner see a brother of mine in his coffin. There, you have my opinion."

"Not a very encouraging one, at all events," replied I, laughing; "but
there is much truth in your observations. To India I will not go, as it
will interfere with the great object of my existence."

"And pray, if it be no secret, may I ask what that is?"

"To find out _who is my father._"

Captain Atkinson looked very hard at me. "I more than once," said he,
"have thought you a little cracked, but now I perceive you are
_mad_--downright _mad_; don't be angry, I couldn't help saying so, and
if you wish me to give you satisfaction, I shall most unwillingly be
obliged."

"No, no, Atkinson, I believe you are not very far wrong, and I forgive
you--but to proceed. The army, as you say, will give me a position in
society, from my profession being that of a gentleman, but as I do not
wish to take the advantage which you have suggested from the position,
I shrink from putting myself into one which may lead to much
mortification. As for the law, although I do not exactly agree with you
in your abhorrence of the profession, yet I must say, that I do not like
the idea. I have been rendered unfit for it by my life up to the present.
But I am permitted to select any other."

"Without wishing to pry into your affairs, have you sufficient to live
upon?"

"Yes, in a moderate way; about a younger brother's portion, which will
just keep me in gloves, cigars, and eau de cologne."

"Then take my advice and be _nothing._ The only difference I can see
between a gentleman and anybody else, is that one is idle and the other
works hard. One is a useless, and the other a useful, member of society.
Such is the absurdity of the opinions of the world."

"Yes, I agree with you, and would prefer being a gentleman in that
respect, and