s;--the loss of hope, health and self-respect. I am willing
that you should profit by this; and, having made this confession, will
you condescend to hear my lecture to an end?"

"Oh, tell me something more about yourself. I would rather listen to
your sorrows, than have my faults paraded before me."

A melancholy smile passed over his face.

"Geoffrey, what a child you are! Listen to me. You have suffered this
personal dislike to your uncle and his son to overtop, like some rank
weed, every better growth of your mind; to destroy your moral integrity
and mental advantages; to interfere with your studies, and prevent any
beneficial result which might arise from your situation as clerk in
this office. Is this wise?"

I remained obstinately silent.

"You are lengthening the term of your bondage, and riveting the fetters
you are so anxious to break. Does not your uncle know this? Does he not
laugh at your impotent efforts to break his yoke from off your neck? In
one short year your articles will expire, and you will become a free
agent. But, with the little knowledge you have gained of your
profession, what would liberty do for you? Would it procure for you a
better situation; establish your claims as a gentleman, or fill an
empty purse?"

"Let the worst come to the worst, I could work for my bread."

"Not such an easy thing as you imagine."

"With health, strength and youth on my side, what should hinder me?"

"Your uncle's influence, which is very great. The world does not know
him, as we know him. He is considered an upright, honourable man. One
word from him would blast your character, and keep you out of every
office in London."

I felt my cheeks grow pale. I had never seen matters in this light
before. Still, I would not yield to the arguments of my friend. The
obstinate spirit of the Monctons was in active operation just then, and
would not submit to reason.

"There are more ways of earning a living than by following the
profession of the law," said I doggedly.

"To all of which you have an apprenticeship to serve. Think, Geoffrey,
of the thousands of respectable young men who are looking for
employment in this vast metropolis, and how few are successful; and
then ask yourself, how you, without money, without friends, and with a
powerful enemy to crush all your honest endeavours, and render them
abortive, are likely to earn your own living."

I was struck speechless, and for the first time in my life b