Near neighbor to Mr. Dunbar, lived an industrious, intelligent watchmaker, named Hudson, whose family consisted of a son and two daughters. Mr. Hudson saw quite as clearly as did Mr. Dunbar, the great advantage which every young man possesses, who is blessed with a liberal education: and it had been his intention, from the first, to give his son every opportunity in his power for acquiring information. But, in considering the son, he did not disregard his daughters. Lloyd Hudson and Lawrence Dunbar were entered at college, for a four years' course, at the same time. They had grown up together as boys, and were pleased at the prospect of going through their higher studies together. At college, the characters of the young men began to harden into more permanent forms than they had before assumed, and to show distinctive features. Home influences and precepts, uniting with hereditary tendencies, gave to each its peculiar modification. During the whole time that they remained at college, the young men, though unlike in disposition, were particular friends, and often conversed together of their future prospects. One of these conversations, held only the day previous to their starting for home, after having completed their course, will give some idea of the difference that existed between them. "There is no time to be lost now," remarked young Dunbar. "Here we are, twenty years of age, and the study of a profession yet to be entered upon. You, strangely enough, talk of medicine." "Why do you say, strangely?" asked Hudson. "There must be physicians, as well as lawyers and merchants." "And so there must be cobblers and tinkers. You have talents and education, Lloyd, and if you properly apply, them, will rise in the world. Every man should look to this." "What do you mean by rising in the world?" "Becoming rich and distinguished. At the bar, a man of talents and force of character may rise to eminence in a few years. Eminence in the legal profession brings wealth as a necessary consequence. In mercantile pursuits, the same road to wealth and honor is open. But to what can a physician look forward?" "There are many eminent physicians." "Eminent for what? For making pills and plasters?" "Eminent for usefulness," said Hudson, calmly. "Usefulness!" Dunbar uttered this word with manifest contempt. "My ambition does not lie in that direction. I am neither a St. Paul nor a Howard." "To be eminently useful, is the highest distinction attainable. What are great wealth or brilliant talents, if not applied to a good purpose?" replied Hudson. "I will read you a passage in the last letter I received from my father on this very subject, to show you how he thinks, and I must own that I think with him." And the young man drew a letter from his pocket, and read—