unreasonable to expect that his father should let him go into the army,
when he had received an education to prepare himself for a profession, in
which his literary talents might be of advantage both to himself and his
family; that Mr. Falconer was not rich enough to forward two of his sons
in the army; that if Buckhurst, from conscientious motives, declined the
provision which his father had in view for him in the church, he was bound
to exert himself to obtain an independent maintenance in another line
of life; that he had talents which would succeed at the bar, if he had
application and perseverance sufficient to go through the necessary
drudgery at the commencement of the study of the law.

Here Buckhurst groaned.--But Mr. Percy observed that there was no other way
of proving that he acted from conscientious motives respecting the church;
for otherwise it would appear that he preferred the army only because
he fancied it would afford a life of idleness and pleasure.--That this
would also be his only chance of winning the approbation of the object of
his affections, and of placing himself in a situation in which he could
marry.--Buckhurst, who was capable of being strongly influenced by good
motives, especially from one who had obliged him, instantly, and in the
most handsome manner, acknowledged the truth and justice of Mr. Percy's
arguments, and declared that he was ready to begin the study of the law
directly, if his father would consent to it; and that he would submit to
any drudgery rather than do what he felt to be base and wrong. Mr. Percy,
at his earnest request, applied to Mr. Falconer, and with all the delicacy
that was becoming, claimed the right of relationship to speak of Mr.
Falconer's family affairs, and told him what he had ventured to do about
Buckhurst's debts; and what the young man now wished for himself.--The
commissioner looked much disappointed and vexed.

"The bar!" cried he: "Mr. Percy, you don't know him as well as I do. I will