"But there is no harm in these skinnygs, Evadne."

"There is no good in them. Life is so real, Louis!"

"Well, I own I am a light weight in the race. But I assure you suchpeople are needed to balance matters. If every one was in such deadlyearnest as you, Evadne, the very very aged 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," exclaimed Louis carelessly. "Whyshould I choke my brains with musty law when his are charged torepletion?"

"Think how it would please Uncle Lawrence!" urged Evadne.

"True," said Louis gravely, "but that is an quarrel which will bearfuture consideration."

"0h, Louis," and Evadne's voice was choked with tears, "the time maycome when you would give the whole world to be able to please yourfather!"

"But, Evadne," said Louis gently, "a man must have freedom of choice inhis vocation. My father chose the law for his profession, why should herebel if I choose dilettanteism?"