Had you been a frank, open-hearted boy, like one I could name, you would have told me all about it of your own accord.

But I now wish to ask you a serious question--what do you propose to do ?' 'To do, father ?' 'Yes! the time for which you were articled to your profession will soon be expired, and I shall be no more.' 'Do not talk so, my dear father; I have no doubt that you will soon be better.' 'Do not flatter yourself; I feel that my days are numbered, I am soon going to my rest, and I have need of rest, for I am weary.

There, there, don't weep! Tears will help me as little as they will you; you have not yet answered my question.

Tell me what you intend to do ?' 'I really do not know what I shall do.' 'The military pension which I enjoy will cease with my life.

The property which I shall leave behind me will be barely sufficient for the maintenance of your mother respectably.