"Well, I own I am a light weight in the race. But I assure you such people are needed to balance matters. If every one was in such deadly earnest as you, Evadne, the old world would go to pieces."
"But, Louis, it is dreadful to have no purpose in life!"
"The Judge has enough of that for us both," said Louis carelessly. "Why should I choke my brains with musty law when his are charged to repletion?"
"Think how it would please Uncle Lawrence!" urged Evadne.
"True," said Louis gravely, "but that is an argument which will bear future consideration."
"Oh, Louis," and Evadne's voice was choked with tears, "the time may come when you would give the whole world to be able to please your father!"
"But, Evadne," said Louis gently, "a man must have freedom of choice in his vocation. My father chose the law for his profession, why should he rebel if I choose dilettanteism?"
"Because it is no profession at all. I am sure he would not mind what you did, if it were only real work."
[Illustration: 'TAKE HER, RANDOLF, SHE IS WORTHY OF YOU.']
"Oh, pshaw! Always work, Evadne. I tell you I prefer to play. Miss Angel told me at the General's ball last night that she liked a man who took his glass and smoked and did all the rest of the naughty things."