"It can be, and is, mother. And as the fact seems to be well-known in the room—it has just been alluded to as a matter of course—I think it will be much the wiser course if you show no surprise and no disapprobation at the discovery you have made, but rather resolve to receive this sweet, accomplished, lovely-minded young girl into your affections, as you would receive your own child. That she is worthy thus to be received, even you cannot now for an instant doubt." "No, Ella, I cannot doubt it," returned the mother, after a pause of some moments for hurried reflection. "I did not dream that the humble music teacher and daughter of a poor watchmaker could be so love-inspiring a creature as this. That Edward was attracted by her is no longer a matter of surprise. I forgive him from my heart." Not many minutes passed before Clara had found out her brother, and communicated the entire success of his plan for breaking down their mother's prejudice. He was the happiest man in the room. CHAPTER XVI. AN UPWARD MOVEMENT. MUCH sooner than even his warmest friends anticipated, did Doctor Hudson rise to the professorship of anatomy and surgery; his predecessor having vacated the chair in consequence of some misunderstanding among the faculty, in which an implied censure was permitted to rest upon him. Shortly after rising into this position, which greatly increased his income, Doctor Hudson, who had since his marriage continued to reside in his father's family, took a handsome house in Walnut street, and commenced housekeeping in a style appropriate to his condition and standing in the profession. At the same time, he proposed to his father to give up his business, and live at ease for the rest of his life. But to this old Mr. Hudson positively objected. "Let me remain independent, my son," he replied, "while I have in me the ability to be independent; and let me serve my appropriate use in the community, as you are serving yours, while I am able to do so. I shall have a clearer conscience and be happier. When my ability fails, then it will be time enough for me to give up, and I will do it cheerfully." The doctor tried to argue the matter with his father, but it was of no use. Mr. Hudson was not to be moved. He knew that he would be happier going on in the old way. It was too late in life to enter into a new occupation, or to learn the art of doing nothing—a wearisome employment at best. Much as Doctor Hudson wished to see his father give up all business, and live for the remainder of his life at ease, his judgment could not but approve the decision he made. The elevation of our young doctor to the chair of anatomy and surgery, was received by the profession and the public with marked approbation. The newspapers and medical journals spoke of the appointment as honorable both to the school and the individual who had been elected to fill the professorship.