think it a fine thing to know and remember what so many other fellows didn't. But one day I asked myself why I read all those books, and then I found it was all through vanity, and that, besides it's doing no good, no one really liked me the better for all I knew; so I left off.'

'And what put it into your head that no one liked you the better for being clever?'

Why, Nellie, you know that no one here, except you, ever did love me; and at school it was just the same, and how lonely I used to feel!' And tears stood in the lad's eyes at the recollection of the solitary hours he had passed.

There now, you are going to cry!' exclaimed his unsentimental listener; now that is being a spoon, Edward; I do believe you're a girl. Boys never cry. How stupid you are!'

'Am I? well I won't be again;' and he tried hard to smile. But, dear Nellie, it is not so much my own stupidity, as some

wise words I read one day, that have changed my mind and decided my course.'

'Wise words indeed! very foolish ones I should say, if they have made you idle and dull, and satisfied to be a mere nobody-a stupid fellow like those one sees every day— talking such nonsense!'

6

man.

Well, but hear the lines: I forget whose they are, but whoever wrote them is a wise He says, speaking of those who have stored their memory with the sayings of great men, and who, after years of toil, have earned a name for knowledge above their fellows:

"When with much pains this boasted learning's got,
'Tis an affront to those who have it not."

I knew then, Helen, why the fellows disliked and avoided me.'

Yes, they were jealous: I can understand that.'

'But why should one wish to make others jealous, Nellie, dear?' asked the boy, gently, 'and why should one work for what can only

gratify and be of benefit to oneself? Don't be afraid, however, I shall read hard, and study night and day, to prepare for the examination; and if I pass, and if I get an appointment to a regiment,—why then I shall be independent, and what is more I may be able to benefit others. And won't I try to be of use? Helen, if you had but known my father! He was so good and unselfish; devoting himself entirely to the service of the sick and the wicked. He died of brain fever, brought on by over-exertion; but even when his mind wandered, it was to scenes of bliss hereafter, where he would meet again the pardoned sinners, who through his ministering had learnt to seek for forgiveness above, and to lead better lives.'

Helen's little hand stole softly into her cousin's, as with faltering voice he told her of his dead father.

'Did you see him when he was dying?' she asked in a low and awe-struck voice.

Yes, and my mother laid his hand upon.

my head, and asked him to bless me. But he could not, Helen, for his spirit had fled even then; and my mother, but here his voice broke down entirely, and laying his head on Helen's shoulder he sobbed aloud.

They were seated on a garden-bench, and both for a time forgot that they were cold and shivering; but at length Edward roused himself, and checking his sobs, said with an effort at cheerfulness:

'How weak and foolish you must think me, Helen! but it is past now; and so "goodby" philosophy and poetry, and all the beautiful things I used to dream of. It is all chemistry and anatomy for me now.'

'And cataplasms and cod-liver oil,' added Helen, with a shrug of her young shoulders, and a show-off of her medical lore; but nevertheless the lad rose in her estimation from that hour.

Though the Doctor made little or no opposition to the change of professions desired by his nephew, there was still much to be done,

and many difficulties to be surmounted by the latter before his wishes could be carried into effect. In default of the assistance (often expensive enough) which is usually administered by a functionary called a 'crammer,' Edward was fain to have recourse to his own powers of mind; and thus by persevering efforts at self-instruction, and supported by a hope which never deserted him, he went steadily forward to the goal of his wishes. Helen, though still little more than a child in years, was ever at hand to comfort him when in difficulty, and to cheer him on his tedious way; and when the time came for the momentous trial which was to decide his fate, no loving sister could have more anxiously waited the event, or rejoiced more gladly in his success.

Three years had been passed in toil and study, before Edward Burrowes received the reward he merited, namely, an appointment of assistant-surgeon in a distinguished infantry corps. During those years he had