to think, that energy like his
should be suffered to wane, and flicker, and die out, for want of the
occasion to display its blaze. She could not avoid communicating these
thoughts to Sir Archy, who for some time past had watched the growing
change in the youth's manner. The old man listened attentively as she
spoke, and his glistening eye and heightened colour showed how her
girlish enthusiasm moved him; and while some reminiscence of the past
seemed to float before him, his voice trembled as he said--

"Alas! my sweet child, the world offers few opportunities like those you
speak of, and our political condition rejects them totally. The country
that would be safe, must give little encouragement to the darings of
youthful energy. His rewards are higher here, who seeks out some path
well trod and beaten, and tries by industry and superior skill to pass
by those who follow it also. The talents men prize are those available
for some purpose of every-day life. Gifts that make mankind wiser and
happier, these, bring fame and honour; while the meteor brilliancy of
mere heroism can attract but passing wonder and astonishment."

"You mistake Mark, my dear uncle--you undervalue the change that is
worked in his character. He is not deficient in ability, if he but
suffer himself to rely upon it, rather than on the casual accidents of
fortune. If Herbert were but here----"

"Herbert comes home to-night. I had thought to keep my secret for a
surprise, but you have wrested it from me."

"Herbert coming home! Oh, how happy you have made me! The brothers once
more together, how much each may benefit the other. Nay, uncle, you must
not smile thus. Superior as Herbert is in the advantages that training
and study impart, Mark has gifts of determination and resolve, as
certain to win success. But, here he comes--may I not tell him of
Herbert's coming?"

Sir Archy smiled and nodded, and the happy girl was the next moment at
Mark's side, relating with delight her pleasant news.

Mark listened with pleasure to the intelligence. Any little jealousy he
once felt for acquirements and attainments above his own, had long
since given way to a better and more brotherly feeling; and he ardently
desired to meet and converse with him again.

"And yet, Kate, how altered may he be from what we knew him, who is to
say the changes time may not have wrought in him?"

"Such are not always for the worse, Mark," said Kate, timidly, for she
felt how t