lined to admit. To what other mysterious fount
than the stars can we trace that extraordinary principle which regulates
men in the choice of their different professions? Take half-a-dozen lads
of the same standing and calibre; give them the same education;
inculcate them with the same doctrines; teach them the identical
catechism; and yet you will find that in this matter of profession there
is not the slightest cohesion among them. Had I been born under the
influence of Mars, I too might have been a dragoon--as it was, Saturn,
my planetary godfather, had devoted me to the law, and here I stood a
discomfited concocter of processes, and a botcher of deeds and titles.
Pondering these things deeply, I made my way to the Parliament-House,
then in the full hum attendant upon the close of the Session. The usual
groups of the briefless were gathered around the stoves. As I happened
to have a paper in my hand, I was instantly assailed by half-a-dozen
unemployed advocates.

"Hallo, M'Whirter, my fine fellow--d'ye want a counsel? Set you down
cheap at a condescendence," cried Mr Anthony Whaup, a tall barrister of
considerable facetiousness.

"I say, M'Whirter, is it a _semiplena_? Hand it over to Randolph; he has
lots of experience in that line."

"Get out, you heretical humbug! Never mind these fellows, George. Tip,
and I'm your man," said Randolph.

"Can anybody tell me who is pleading before the Second Division just
now?" asked a youth, looking rather white in the gills.

"Old Windlass. He's good for three quarters of an hour at least, and
then the judges have to give their opinions."

"I'm devilish glad to hear it. I think I shall bolt. This seems a fine
afternoon. Who's for Musselburgh?"

"I can't go to-day," said Whaup. "I was tempted yesterday with a
shilling, and sold myself."

"Who is the unfortunate purchaser?"

"Tom Hargate, crimp-general to the yeomanry."

"I'm delighted to hear it, old fellow! We have been wanting you for two
years back in the corps. 'Gad! won't we have fun when we go into
quarters. I say, M'Whirter--why don't you become a yeoman?"

I started at the suggestion, which, strange to say, had never crossed
my mind before. There was a way then open to me--a method left by which
I might satisfy, without compromising my professional character, the
scruples of Edith, and become a member of the military service without
abandoning the pen. The man that hesitates is lost.

"I don't know," I replie