ed 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 do nothing, if they would admit me in every other; but that
they will not do. I am in an unfortunate position."

"And will be until your feelings become blunted as mine have been,"
replied Atkinson. "Had you acquiesced in my proposal you would have
done better. As it is, I can be of no use to you; nay, without
intending an affront, I do not know if we ought to be seen together, for
your decision not to _fight_ your way is rather awkward, as I cannot
back one with my _support_ who will not do credit to it. Do not be
angry at what I say; you are your own master, and have a right to decide
for yourself. If you think yourself not so wholly lost as to be able
eventually to recover yourself by other means, I do not blame you, as I
know it is only from an error in judgment, and not from want of
courage."

"At present I am, I acknowledge, lost, Captain Atkinson; but if I
succeed in finding my father--"

"Good morning, Newland, good morning," replied he, hastily. "I see how
it is; of course we shall be civil to each other when we meet, for I
wish you well, but we must not be seen together, or you may injure my
character."

"Injure _your_ character, Captain Atkinson?"

"Yes, Mr Newland, injure my character. I do not mean to say but that
there are characters more respectable, but I have a character which
suits me, and it has the merit of consistency. As you are not prepared,
as the Americans say, _to go the whole hog_, we will part good friends,
and if I have said anything to annoy you, I beg your pardon."

"Good-bye, then, C