"Nay, Horace," said the Colonel, who had been struck unawares by the correctness of his nephew's guess; "what is the use of imagining unkind words, which most likely were neither spoken nor intended? The fact is simple--your father does not think a profession is essential to you; he thinks that--that you will most probably have enough without. In short, he does not feel called upon to assist you; but at the same time, remember, Horace, he puts no obstacle in the way. All is not lost yet, my boy: I must try whether I can do anything. I am not rich, I have little to spare, but I have friends, and there are some people who might be interested in you. Wait a little, Horace--leave it to me, and we will see what can be done. I would not be discouraged; there are more ways than one of doing everything in this world." "You may trust to _me_, uncle, that I certainly will not give up my own intention because my father declines to assist it--everything is safe enough so far," said Horace; "as for anything great, you know, study and that sort of thing, I give that up as impossible--I did so from the first. I will never be a great lawyer, uncle; but I daresay I'll learn enough for my own ends." "Your own ends!--I don't understand you, Horace," cried the Colonel, somewhat alarmed at the expression of his nephew's face, and for perhaps the first time in his life suspecting something of double meaning in the words he heard. "Have I not to work for my own living?--to support myself, uncle?" cried Horace, turning round upon him with a bitter emphasis. "Very well, my lad, what then?" said Colonel Sutherland, with dignity--"is there anything very terrible in that? The best men in the world have had to work for their living. I am sorry for you that you cannot get the freedom of using your powers, and proper advantages for their cultivation; but I assure you, Horace, I am _not_ sorry for you on the ground that you must support yourself." "To be sure not," said Horace, with a little secret mortification; "but it is therefore I say that I will learn law enough for my own ends." Once more the Colonel looked at him doubtfully, pondering the peculiar and unnecessary emphasis with which the young man pronounced these words. Colonel Sutherland perceived, in spite of his unsuspicious nature, that there was a gleam in the eye, and a sudden animation in the manner of Horace, which referred to something different from the calm means of sustenance, or the knowledge sufficient to secure it. Something vindictive and eager was in his look. The Colonel probably thought it better not to inquire too closely into it, for he turned away from Horace with a sigh.