CHOOSING A PROFESSION. 139

his son to choose his own profession, and be
suitably educated for it. I now call upon you
to make that choice; if you have not decided
in your own mind, I will give you two days to
think about it, and at the end of that time you
will please to inform me.”

“JT should prefer devoting myself to sm
branch of natural science, than to follow one
of the learned professions,” said Howard. :

“T do not exactly undertand what you
mean; you had better think the matter over
onli r

And after this formal conversation, Mr.
Cramer said :

“You may go to your own room, and think
the matter over at your leisure.”

Howard went to his own room, and seating
himself by the side of a small centre-table,
folded his arms upon it, and his head dropped
upon them.

Alone! Alone! Nobody to advise—nobody
to sympathise with the orphan. The boy was
outwardly cold and restrained; beneath this
crust there was a warm heart, longing for
affection.