"To plod along in the humble sphere in which I was born is not my intention. I mean to rise in the world as high, if possible, as the highest. Already I can perceive the upward movement. When I marry, therefore, I must choose one who can aid in my elevation. Wealth, high connexions, superior education, and accomplishments, are indispensable. These Mary Lee cannot bring me, and, therefore, she can never become my wife. This is settled."
"Have you not entered into a solemn contract? Is not your honor pledged?" Said Mary, in a deep, earnest voice.
"No contract exists, no pledges remain. I am free."
"And my brother has done this!" said Mary. "Lawrence, the day will come when, for this baseness—I can call it by no better name—when, for this baseness, you will repent. And this is your rising in the world! Oh! what a price to pay for elevation! Love, truth, honor, all trampled under foot. Faith broken—hearts crushed—hopes blighted. If this is the bud and blossom, what will be the fruit!"
The young man was much disturbed. But, in his "upward movement," he had already begun to feel contempt for his humble, unaccomplished sisters, who had suffered wrong for his sake, and his spirit could ill brook a reproof from one of them.
"From this moment, Mary," he said, speaking with a contracted brow, and in an offended tone, "let your lips be sealed in silence on this subject. What I have done is done, and I do not repent. It was a strong trial, and I suffered in it. But the trial is past. The separation, good for both of us, has taken place. We shall not meet again, I think, for our ways are diverging; if we do meet, it will be as strangers. Good night!"
And the young man turned suddenly from his sister and left the room.
[CHAPTER V.]
RIGHT AND WRONG PRINCIPLES.
EVEN before Hudson succeeded in getting his diploma, Dunbar had come before the court in a case of great importance, and made quite an impression on the public mind. His argument was reported. On the day this report appeared in the newspapers, something brought to his mind his old friend and college companion, whom he had not met for nearly a year. He did not analyse very carefully the feeling that induced him to look in upon Hudson; if he had, he would have discovered something like a desire to exhibit his rising greatness, and cause him to appreciate the contrast between them. He found Hudson engaged in preparing his thesis to be submitted to the professors of the Medical College at an approaching examination of students.