al and powerful."

Eric found it difficult to continue his narrative with composure after
this incident, and ended by saying,--

"I beg that you will not regard me as a weak, restless person, for
having so often changed my calling."

"On the contrary," Sonnenkamp declared, "I have had experience enough
both in the old and new world, to teach me that the most capable people
are just those who determine for themselves upon their employment.
Whoever changes his calling must do so either from some external
necessity, or from real fitness for something else. Allow me to ask one
question. Do you believe it possible for a man who undertakes,
compelled by want or because he can find nothing better to do, some
employment, I do not like to call it a service, but a dependent
position--you know what I mean, but I am not familiar with the
German--is it possible for him to devote himself heartily to that
occupation? Will he not always feel himself bound, under obligation to
serve, and often ill at ease?"

"Your frank objection," Eric replied, "does me great honor. I know well
that the calling of an educator requires to be made supreme, from
morning until night. Nothing can be more desirable to me than to
perceive that you are as deeply interested in the matter as I could
wish."

Again a peculiar expression darted across Sonnenkamp's countenance; but
Eric, without appearing to perceive it, continued, in a voice full of
emotion, "It is not because I can find nothing better to do that I
apply for the position of tutor in your family. I agree with you, that
he who takes such a place merely from necessity can never fulfil its
duties, although I do not mean to assert, and unconditionally, that
inclination may not be developed, or as we say, that one may not make a
virtue out of necessity. My knowledge is not great, but I have learned
what one must do in order to learn, and therefore I think that I am
able also to instruct. As far as earnest sincerity of purpose is
concerned, I will yield to no one; and so far as I can judge, I venture
to say, that were I placed in the most favorable circumstances, I would
enter upon the calling of an educator in a spirit of freedom, with
joyful zeal."

"Right honorable, right honorable! go on!" Sonnenkamp interposed in
such a tone that Eric was somewhat confounded, hearing as he yet did,
in a measure, the echo of his own earnest utterance, now so strangely
interrupted. In a sort of triumphant tone,