150 BRAGGADOCIO.

Howard.—I am going to be an architect.

Mr. Cramer.—An architect! What a low
taste the boy has! I do not think Sir John
would have approved of your choice.”

Howard.—Sir John Framingham would not
have disapproved a profession which can claim
such men as Ser Christopher Wren and Sw
William Chambers. My resolution is fixed.

Mr. Cramer—In England it might do to be
an artist, but in this country you can expect
nothing but poverty !

Howard.—I hope better things of your
country ; but if I cannot succeed here, I can
go home.

Mr. Cramer.—Yes; at one-and-twenty, if
you choose—so says your father’s will. Had
you not better consider this matter a little
longer, before you decide. A mechanical
occupation will, in this country, make you lose
caste.

Howard.—I choose a Fine Art for my occu-
pation. I have decided, sir, and nothing that
you can say will alter my determination. In
this, at least, thanks to my father, I am left
free.