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lined to admit. To what other mysterious fount than the stars can we trace that extraordinary principle which regulates men in the choice of their different professions? Take half-a-dozen lads of the same standing and calibre; give them the same education; inculcate them with the same doctrines; teach them the identical catechism; and yet you will find that in this matter of profession there is not the slightest cohesion among them. Had I been born under the influence of Mars, I too might have been a dragoon--as it was, Saturn, my planetary godfather, had devoted me to the law, and here I stood a discomfited concocter of processes, and a botcher of deeds and titles. Pondering these things deeply, I made my way to the Parliament-House, then in the full hum attendant upon the close of the Session. The usual groups of the briefless were gathered around the stoves. As I happened to have a paper in my hand, I was instantly assailed by half-a-dozen unemployed advocates. "Hallo, M'Whirter, my fine fellow--d'ye want a counsel? Set you down cheap at a condescendence," cried Mr Anthony Whaup, a tall barrister of considerable facetiousness. "I say, M'Whirter, is it a _semiplena_? Hand it over to Randolph; he has lots of experience in that line." "Get out, you heretical humbug! Never mind these fellows, George. Tip, and I'm your man," said Randolph. "Can anybody tell me who is pleading before the Second Division just now?" asked a youth, looking rather white in the gills. "Old Windlass. He's good for three quarters of an hour at least, and then the judges have to give their opinions." "I'm devilish glad to hear it. I think I shall bolt. This seems a fine afternoon. Who's for Musselburgh?" "I can't go to-day," said Whaup. "I was tempted yesterday with a shilling, and sold myself." "Who is the unfortunate purchaser?" "Tom Hargate, crimp-general to the yeomanry." "I'm delighted to hear it, old fellow! We have been wanting you for two years back in the corps. 'Gad! won't we have fun when we go into quarters. I say, M'Whirter--why don't you become a yeoman?" I started at the suggestion, which, strange to say, had never crossed my mind before. There was a way then open to me--a method left by which I might satisfy, without compromising my professional character, the scruples of Edith, and become a member of the military service without abandoning the pen. The man that hesitates is lost. "I don't know," I replie
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