put
his head out of the library, and said:--

"And now, young Bansted Downs, what sphere in life do you propose to
fill?"

"I have been thinking, old Bansted Downs," replied the youth,
respectfully, "since I left school seventy-five minutes ago, that I
should prefer to be something prosperous."

The father nodded his head approvingly at this evidence of foresight in
his child, and said:--

"I think you have come to a very wise decision, young Bansted Downs. No
doubt you have, while at school, selected such studies as were best
fitted to prepare you for the struggle of life?"

"I think so, old Bansted Downs," replied the son. "The head-master took
in regularly for our use all the best prize-competition periodicals; in
fact, he was of opinion that a complete selection of these rendered all
other educational books superfluous. I myself have attained to such
dexterity in guessing the right word, deciding on the best eight
pictures and the two best stories, divining the correct number of pairs
of boots made in London on a given day, and so forth, that Dr.
Practiccle pronounced my education singularly complete."

"Good--very good! young Bansted Downs," said the father, thoughtfully;
"and now as to a more specific choice of profession?"

"Well, old Bansted Downs," said the son, "I have been thinking that I
should like to be apprenticed to a Genius, with a view to adopting his
calling."

"Very well thought out," said the parent. "I must consider whether the
necessary premium----"

"Pray do not trouble about that," said the son, "as my success at the
word competitions has more than provided for the contingency." And young
Bansted Downs drew from his pocket a large bag filled with a mixture of
sovereigns, marbles, and peppermint-drops.

"Very good! Then the matter's settled; and perhaps you would like
something to eat."

All the friends by whose opinion old Bansted Downs set any store
heartily approved of young Bansted Downs's choice of a calling; and the
matter was fully discussed that evening. The advertisement columns of
the newspapers were consulted as to the most suitable genius to
undertake the charge of the youth; and the following seemed promising:--

"_To Parents and Guardians._--_Young men of promise wishing to adopt the
profession of genius will do well to apply to Brayne Power and Sons, of
3019A, George Street, Hanover Square, who have a vacancy for one
apprentice. Telephone No. 7142863._"

The very