a will
be introduced. It will be seen that the duty of a man to lead a wise
life, to be prudent, to make the most of his powers, to maintain a good
name, is not a duty to himself, merely an enlightened selfishness, as it
is now called, but a genuine form of altruism, a duty to others, as truly
as if those others bore different names instead of succeeding to his
name. It will be seen that a man's duty to his later selves is like the
duty of a father to his helpless children: to provide for their
inheritance, to see that he leaves them a sound body and a good name, if
nothing more. It will be perceived that the man who is charitably called
'his own worst enemy,' is not only no better, but worse, than if he were
the enemy of his neighbours, because he is blasting coming lives that
have a far nearer claim upon him than any neighbour can have.

"There will arise, also, in that day, I fancy," said Paul, "some rather
delicate questions, as to how far a man may properly bind his future
selves by pledges and engagements which he has no means of knowing will
meet with their approval, and which may quite possibly prove intolerable
yokes to them."

"Ah!" exclaimed the doctor, "that is indeed an interesting point. And,
meanwhile, I should say the intelligible discussion of these questions
will involve a modification in grammatical usage. If we believe that our
present selves are distinct persons from our past selves, it is
manifestly improper to use the first person in speaking of our past
selves. Either the third person must be used, or some new grammatical
form invented."

"Yes," said Paul. "If entire accuracy is sought the first person cannot
be properly employed by any one in referring either to his past or his
future selves, to what has been done or to what will be done by them."

At this moment the carriage drew up before the house, and Paul helped the
ladies out.

Miss Ludington greeted Dr. Hull cordially, and stopped upon the piazza in
hat and shawl to talk with him. But Ida merely bowed stiffly, with
lowered eyes, and passed within.

Before they were called to tea Paul found an opportunity to tell the
doctor how sensitive Ida was to any discussion of the mystery connected
with her, and to suggest that at table any direct reference to the
subject should be avoided.

The expression of disappointment on Dr. Hull's countenance seemed to
indicate that he had anticipated thoroughly cross-questioning her in the
interest o