e calm unselfish wisdom and steadfastness of Mr. Spence
seemed more indisputable to me than ever; and in the way of
companionship, Paul Barr's gallantries and sallies were vastly
preferable to any drawing-room flirtation.

It was only when I thought of my father that I felt any concern or
doubt. I knew that he had set his heart upon my devoting myself to the
study of practical matters. He wished me to become cultivated, but
scarcely in the direction I had chosen. What would he say if he knew of
my determination; and was it filial and just to let him remain in
ignorance of it? Yet I reasoned that after all I had made no final
decision. I was attracted, it is true, by what might be called a
visionary theory; but when I had given the principles of moderation
further thought, I might conclude not to devote myself to them. It would
be time enough later to speak of the subject. At present I was only too
poorly prepared to present the ideas of Mr. Spence in an intelligent
manner, and should probably prejudice my father against the whole
system.

However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent
hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the
basis of all intelligent action. How much nobler to help to establish
principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of
those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests! Why must
there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and
those who acted? It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that
there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and
Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.

But I did not falter in my purpose. Mr. Fleisch called to see me the
following day and laid out an elaborate course of study. He was to come
twice a week to examine me and give me suggestions, but he said that my
progress was mainly dependent on my own exertions. I bought a number of
books of his selection, and tried to devote five hours each day to
systematic work. My tasks were largely of a philosophical character,
but poetry and music of a restrained sort were also included in Mr.
Fleisch's instruction; and he said that after the foundations were laid,
I should be taught the dangers of extremes by studying examples of the
overmuch and the undermuch.

At last I was successful one day in finding Aunt Agnes at home, and
alone. It was about a week after my visit from Mr. Spence.