dding is to be proved by the eating. Success in life is not to be
won by writing Greek verses; not though you write ever so many. A
ship-load of them would not fetch you the value of this glass of wine
at any market in the world."

"Commerce is a grand thing," said George, with an air of conviction.

"It is the proper work for men," said his uncle, proudly.

"But I have always heard," replied the nephew, "that a man in this
country has no right to look to commerce as a profession unless he
possesses capital." Mr. Bertram, feeling that the tables had been
turned against him, finished his glass of wine and poked the fire.

A few days afterwards the same subject was again raised between them.
"You must choose for yourself, George," said the old man; "and you
should choose quickly."

"If I could choose for myself--which I am aware that I cannot do; for
circumstances, after all, will have the decision--but, if I could
choose, I would go into Parliament."

"Go where?" said Mr. Bertram, who would have thought it as reasonable
if his nephew had proposed to take a house in Belgrave Square with
the view of earning a livelihood.

"Into Parliament, sir."

"Is Parliament a profession? I never knew it before."

"Perhaps not, ordinarily, a money-making profession; nor would I wish
to make it so."

"And what county, or what borough do you intend to honour by
representing it? Perhaps the University will return you."

"Perhaps it may some of these days."

"And, in the meantime, you mean to live on your fellowship, I
suppose?"

"On that and anything else that I can get."

Mr. Bertram sat quiet for some time without speaking, and George also
seemed inclined to muse awhile upon the subject. "George," said the
uncle, at last, "I think it will be better that we should thoroughly
understand each other. You are a good fellow in your way, and I like
you well enough. But you must not get into your head any idea that
you are to be my heir."

"No, sir; I won't."

"Because it would only ruin you. My idea is that a man should make
his own way in the world as I made mine. If you were my son, it may
be presumed that I should do as other men do, and give you my money.
And, most probably, you would make no better use of it than the sons
of other men who, like me, have made money. But you are not my son."

"Quite true, sir; and therefore I shall be saved the danger. At any
rate, I shall not be the victim of disappointment."

"I am