"I cannot so easily decide the matter!"
"Why not? If you study law, you will rise, inevitably. And in this profession, there is a much broader field of action for a man of talent, than there is in any other profession."
"Perhaps you are right. But the difficult question with me is—'Can I be as useful in it?'"
"Nonsense, Harvey! Do put away these foolish notions. If you don't, they will be the ruin of you."
"I hope not. But if they do, I shall be ruined in a good cause."
"I am really afraid, Harvey," Abercrombie said in a serious tone, "that you affect these ultra sentiments, or are self-deceived. It is my opinion that no man can act from such motives as you declare to be yours."
"I did not know that I had declared myself governed by such motives. To say that, I know, would be saying too much, for I am painfully conscious of the existence and activity of motives very opposite. But what I mean to say is, that I am so clearly convinced that the motives of which I speak are the true ones, that I will not permit myself to come wholly under the influence of such as are opposite. And that is why I find a difficulty in choosing a profession. If I would permit myself to think only of rising in the world, for the sake of the world's estimation, I should not hesitate long. But I am afraid of confirming what I feel to be evil. And therefore it is that I am resolved to compel myself to choose from purer ends."
"Then you are no longer a free agent."
"Why not?"
"Because, in that kind of compulsion, you cease to act from freedom."