n to a very late point."

"Afford!" said Rufus, standing still in his walk; -- "Why you
have made money enough ever since you began practice, to
afford such a thing as that."

"Ay -- if I could have put it all on the floor."

"Where had you to put it?"

"I had Mr. Inchbald to reward for his long trust in me, and
Mr. Herder to reimburse for his kindness, -- and some other
sources of expenditure to meet."

"Mr. Herder could have been paid out of the costs of this
lawsuit."

"No, he couldn't."

"And thereupon, you would recommend the profession of a
street-sweeper to me!" said Rufus, beginning his walk with
renewed energy.

"On the whole, I think I would not," said Winthrop gravely. "I
am of opinion you can do something better."

"I don't like engineering!" said Rufus presently.

"What _do_ you like?"

Rufus stopped and stood looking thoughtfully on the table
where Winthrop's papers lay.

"I consider that, to be as honourable, as useful, and I
should think quite as pleasant a way of life, as the one I
follow."

"Do you? --" said Rufus, looking at the long 'answer in
Chancery.'

"I would as lieve go into it to-morrow, and make over my
inkstand to you, if I were only fit for that and you for
this."

"Would you!" said Rufus, mentally conceding that his brother
was 'fit' for anything.

"Just as lieve."

Rufus's brow lightened considerably, and he took up his walk
again.

"What would you like better, Will?"

"I don't know --" said Rufus meditatively -- "I believe I'll
take your advice. There was an offer made to me a week or two
ago -- at least I was spoken to, in reference to a Southern
piece of business --"

"Not another agency?"

"No -- no, engineering; -- but I threw it off, not thinking
then, or not knowing, that I would have anything more to do
with the matter -- I dare say it's not too late yet."

"But Will," said his brother, "whatever choice you make now,
it is your last choice."

"How do you know it is my last choice?" said Rufus.

"Because it ought to be."

Rufus took to silence and meditating again.

"Any profession rightly managed, will carry you to the goal of
honour; but no two will, ridden alternately."

"It seems so," said Rufus bitterly.

And he walked and meditated, back and forth through the room;
while Winthrop lost himself in his 'answer.' The silence
lasted this time till Rufus came up to the table and extending
his hand bid his brother 'good night.'

"Are yo