merce, and I give more than I get. My works sell; but look at the amount of labour, and calculate how poor is the recompense! half that toil, half that talent, given to any other pursuit, would have ensured wealth. Then, as to society, what do I gain by my admission there? First, my spirits, which I need for my own pursuits, are exhausted in the effort to amuse; and, secondly, I have the opportunity of contrasting idleness and luxury with the toil and privation of my own lot."
"Then, dear Walter," said Courtenaye, "why not accept my uncle's offer?"
"Nay," exclaimed the other, "to sell my mind, appears to me only renewing the old bargain with the devil, selling your soul!"
"I never did, and never shall, urge the subject upon you," answered his companion; "but I have another proposal to make to you, which involves no sacrifice of political opinion. Sir George Kingston is in want of a secretary, and caught eagerly at my mention of you.
