be sinful in itself,
or whether, if its object be virtuous, it is not a virtue. In baring
my soul before you, I only speak of my motives, and seek not to excuse
them. Perhaps on this earth there is no good without a little evil. When
my mind was once turned to the acquisition of mental superiority, every
petty acquisition I made increased my desire to attain more, and partial
emulation soon widened into universal ambition. We three, Gerald and
ourselves, are the keepers of a treasure more valuable than gold,--the
treasure of a not ignoble nor sullied name. For my part, I confess
that I am impatient to increase the store of honour which our father
bequeathed to us. Nor is this all: despite our birth, we are poor in
the gifts of fortune. We are all dependants on my uncle's favour; and,
however we may deserve it, there would be something better in earning an
independence for ourselves."

"That," said Aubrey, "may be an argument for mine and Gerald's
exertions; but not for yours. You are the eldest, and my uncle's
favourite. Nature and affection both point to you as his heir."

"If so, Aubrey, may many years pass before that inheritance be mine! Why
should those years that might produce so much lie fallow? But though
I would not affect an unreal delicacy, and disown my chance of future
fortune, yet you must remember that it is a matter possible, not
certain. My birthright gives me no claim over my uncle, whose estates
are in his own gift; and favour, even in the good, is a wind which
varies without power on our side to calculate the season or the cause.
However this be,--and I love the person on whom fortune depends so much
that I cannot, without pain, speak of the mere chance of its passing
from his possession into mine,--you will own at least that I shall not
hereafter deserve wealth the less for the advantages of experience."

"Alas!" said Aubrey, raising his eyes, "the worship of our Father in
Heaven finds us ample cause for occupation, even in retirement; and
the more we mix with His creatures, the more, I fear, we may forget the
Creator. But if it must be so, I will pray for you, Morton; and you will
remember that the powerless and poor Aubrey can still lift up his voice
in your behalf."

As Aubrey thus spoke, I looked with mingled envy and admiration upon the
countenance beside me, which the beauty of a spirit seemed at once to
soften and to exalt.

Since our conference had begun, the dusk of twilight had melte