ur request."

They parted: Algernon to counsel his wayward boy, and Anthony to write
to his father.

"Father,"

(He began,) "How gladly would I call you dear. Oh, that you would
allow me to love you--to feel for you the duty and respect which
the poorest child feels for his parent. What have I done, my
father, that you deny me your presence, and hold no communion with
me? Will you not permit me to see you? You are growing old and need
some friend to be near you, to soothe the growing infirmities of
age. Who could better fill this place than your son? Who could feel
such an interest in your welfare, or be so firm a friend to you, as
your son--your only son? You will perhaps tell me that it is your
wealth, and not your love, I seek. I care not for your money. It
has never conduced to your own happiness; how do I know that it
will ever conduce to mine? I hate it, for it has shut up your heart
against me, and made me an orphan and an outcast.

"Father, pity me? Pity the circumstances in which I am placed:
dependent upon the charity of my good uncle, I feel, kind though he
be to me, that I am a burden--that it is not just that I should
live upon him. I have finished my school education, and can show
you the most honorable testimonials from my masters. I have
acquired some knowledge, but I long for more. My uncle talks of
sending me to college with his son. For what profession do you wish
me to study? Let me know your wishes in this respect, and they
shall be strictly obeyed. I shall feel greatly honored by your
answer, and remain

"Your dutiful son,

"Anthony Marcus Hurdlestone."

Anthony did not show his uncle this letter. He knew that he would
object to the part relative to himself. He duly sealed it and paid the
post, and for several days he awaited the reply in a state of feverish
excitement. At length it came, and ran thus:

"Son Anthony,

"Your letter pleased me. I believe it to be sincere. You have been
so long a stranger, that I do not feel any wish to see you; but,
hereafter, if you wait with patience, you will not be forgotten.
You are a Hurdlestone. I respect the old family and the old name
too much to leave it without an heir.

"I am glad that you have had sense enough to improve your time.
Time is