the bullet, the roar of the ball; it plants hope in the thick of peril; knits rivals with the bond of brothers; comforts the sur- vivor when the brother falls; takes from war its grim aspect of carnage; and from homicide itself extracts lessons that strength, th- en the safeguards of humanity, and perpetuate life to nations. Right—pant for fame; you are a soldier!"
This was one of those bursts of high sentiment from Vance, which, as they were very rare with him, had the dramatic effect of surprise. Lionel listened to him with a thrilling delight. He could not answer, he was too moved. The artist resumed, as the cabriolet now cleared the Park, and rolled safely and rap- idly along the road. " I suppose, during the five years you have spent abroad, completing your general education, 5'ou have made little study, or none, of what specially appertains to the profes- sion you have so recently chosen."
"You are mistaken there, my dear Vance. If a man's heart be set on a thing, he is always studying it. The books I loved best, and most pondered over, were such as, if they did not ad- minister lessons, suggested hints that might turn to lessons hereafter. In social intercourse, I never was so pleased as when I could fasten myself to some practical veteran—question and cross-examine him. One picks up more ideas in conversation than from books; at least I do. Besides, my idea of a soldier whho is to succeed some day, is not that of a mere mechanician at arms. See how accomplished most great captains have been. What observers of mankind!—What diplomatists—what reason- ers! what men of action, because men to whom reflection had been habitual before they acted! How many stores of ideas must have gone to the judgment which hazards the sortie, or decides on the retreat!"
"Gently, gently!" cried Vance. "We shall be into that om- nibus! Give me the whip—do; there—a little more to the left— so. Yes; I am glad to see such enthusiasm in your profession —'tis half the battle. Hazlitt said a capital thing, ' the 'prentice who does not consider the Lord Mayor in his gilt coach the greatest man in the world will live to be hanged! '"
"Pish!" said Lionel catching at the whip.
Vance (holding it back). No. I apologize instead. I re- tract the Lord Mayor; comparisons are odious. I agree with you, nothing like leather—I mean nothing like a really great sol- dier—Hannibal, and so forth. Cherish that conviction, my boy; meanwhile, respect human life—there is another omnibus!"
The danger past, the artist thought it prudent to divert the conversation into some channel less exciting.
