I remember well how, as I lay in the deep grass and watched the rippling circles of the fast-flowing river, that a sudden thought shot through me. What if all this theory should prove but a well-disguised avarice,--that this passion for distinction be only the thirst for wealth,--these high purposes of philanthropy but another scheme for self-advancement! Is it possible that for such a price as this I would surrender all the enjoyments of youth, and all the budding affections of coming manhood? “Mr. Joseph,” said I, suddenly, “what is the best life?” “How do you mean, Jasper? Is it, how shall a man do most good to others?” said he. “Not alone that; but how shall he best employ his faculties for his own sake?” “That may mean for his personal advancement, Jasper, for objects purely selfish, and be the reverse of what your first question implied.” “When I said the best, I meant the wisest,” replied I. “The wisest choice is that of a career, every duty of which can be fulfilled without the sacrifice of kindly affections or the relinquishment of family ties. He who can adopt such is both wise and happy.” “Are you happy, Mr. Joseph?” asked I; “for I know you are wise.” “Far more happy than wise, Jasper,” said he, smiling. “For one like me, life has borne many blessings.” “Like you!” exclaimed I, in surprise, for to my thinking he was a most enviable mortal; I knew of no one so learned, nor of such varied acquirements. “Like you, Mr. Joseph!” “Just so, Jasper; I, who have had neither home nor family, have yet found both; I, whom no ties of affection encircled, have lived to feel what it is to be cared for; and I, that almost despaired of being aught to any one, have found that I can be of use to those whom it is my chief happiness to love.” “Tell me your history, Mr. Joseph, or at least tell me something about yourself.” “My story, my dear Jasper, is but the history of my own day. The least eventful of lives would be adventurous if placed alongside of mine. I began the world such as you see me, poor, humble-minded, and lowly. I continue my journey in the same spirit that I set out. The tastes and pursuits that then gave me pleasure are still the same real sources of enjoyment to me. What were duties are now delights. Your dear mother was once my pupil, as you are now; and it is my pride to see that she has neither forgotten our old lessons, nor lived to think them valueless. Even here have I seen her fall back upon the pursuits which occupied her childhood--ay, and they have served to lighten some gloomy hours too.” Raper quickly perceived, from the anxiety with which I had listened, that he had already spoken too much; and he abruptly changed the topic by saying,-- “How we shall miss the poor Herr Robert! He had grown to seem one of ourselves.” “And is my mother unhappy, Mr. Joseph?” said I, recurring to the former remarks.