the estate will barely pay the interest now, for your father has
parted with most of his property. In a word, this is the state of
affairs: you must either sell Riversdale, then this gentleman tells me
there may be a few thousands to spare for you boys; or you may let the
place stand, put your shoulders to the wheel, and work both of you to
redeem your home. You are only boys, but some boys with energy,
patience, perseverance, and, above all, a cherished object in view, can
achieve much. This gentleman tells me that by careful management there
may be a trifle saved every year, which should go towards lessening the
principal, then every year will be making the interest less too. But the
grave question is, what in the meantime is to become of you boys?"

"And Agnes?" Bertie cried; "we must not forget Agnes?"

Mr. Gregory looked rather coldly at the shrinking, timid little girl;
she had not entered into his calculations at all. She was not his
sister's child, and he really saw no way of helping her.

"I am, as you know, only a London merchant," Mr. Gregory continued,
ignoring Bertie's earnest remark, "and I cannot do much for you, but
this I can offer: you may both have a place in my office, and, believe
me, many lads have found the humblest seat in a London counting-house
the road to fortune. Once started in business under my protection,
everything will depend on yourselves. Merit, industry, integrity must
make their own way. What do you say, Edward? Mind, as your guardian, I
have a right to command, but I want to hear what you think."

"I--I don't care for business, Uncle Gregory; I have no taste, no talent
for it," Eddie replied humbly, though his eyes flashed. "I always wished
to be an artist, and papa promised I should be one day."

"Unfortunately, many of your papa's promises are not easily fulfilled
_now_," Mr. Gregory said coldly. "If you will not enter my office, may I
ask what you intend to do, Edward?"

"I don't know, uncle. I had hoped to go to college, and then travel, and
study abroad, and become an artist."

"Impossible!" Mr. Gregory interrupted sharply. "Where's the money to
come from?"

"I don't know, uncle; I have not had time to think;" and Eddie cast an
imploring glance at his Uncle Clair.

"Well, my lad," that gentleman said, laying his hand kindly on Eddie's
shoulder, "if you really are determined to become an artist, I will do
all I can to assist you on certain conditions, and subject to the