"While I cannot but regret your decision, think as I will about it," returned the professor, "I must do you the justice to say, that I am constrained to honor your principles. Few men would have resisted the temptation. It would be better for the world, perhaps, if there were more like you."
When Hudson mentioned at home what had occurred, there was not one who did not express a warm approval of his conduct.
"It is only what I expected of you, Lloyd," said the father. "Be ever true to right principles, and you will be true to yourself. You need not be concerned for the issue."
Two weeks from the day Doctor Hudson received a visit from the professor of anatomy, that individual called upon him again.
"You are probably aware," he said, "that the father of Doctor S—, a physician of large practice in Boston, is dead. It was his illness that made the absence of S— necessary."
"Yes, I have heard it," returned Hudson.
"You may not have heard, however, that S— is to remain in Boston, and take up his father's practice?"
"That intelligence has not before reached me."
"It is true, nevertheless. I received a letter from S— to that effect yesterday. This morning, at a meeting of the Faculty, I made known his decision, and brought forward your talents and anatomical skill as fitting you in a peculiar manner to take his place. You were appointed without a question, and by a unanimous vote. Let me congratulate you on the occasion, as I have already congratulated the school. An honor has been worthily conferred. You can now accept the chair, and feel yourself fairly entitled to it."
"For your kindness I feel truly gratified," replied Hudson, showing more emotion than he wished to exhibit. "I accept the appointment, and will endeavor to discharge the duties appertaining to it to the best of my ability."