“Average intelligence!” exclaimed Mrs. Holmes; “his memory is admirable.  If you would only examine him in history, or geography, or Latin, or scientific dialogues, or chronology, you would find-----”

“That I do not know the tenth part of what he does, no doubt,” said Brandon.  “But that is not what will make him get on in the world.  You cannot afford to give him a profession.”

“I fear not.  I wish I could.  Perhaps I might by more economy.  The education of my children has cost me very little hitherto, only the classics and mathematics from the curate.  I should like to bring Edgar up for the Church.”

“But, my dear Fanny, if you were to give him a profession, you must send him away from you.  If I take him I will do my utmost to get him on, and I will really look after him, and keep him out of mischief, better than you can do at a public school or a university.”

“Oh!  Walter, you know what a state Victoria is in—­full of runaway convicts, and all sorts of bad characters, attracted there by the gold-diggings.  I should not like Edgar to meet with such people.”

“At my sheep stations he will see little or nothing of these people.  I will keep him busy, and by and by, when he comes to man’s estate, I will give him a start; and if you think I succeed with Edgar, I will take Robert, too, when he is old enough.”

“I know, Walter, that you mean very kindly by me and mine, but I do not care so much for my boys being rich, or getting on, as you call it; I want them to be good.  I do not wish to throw them into the world till their principles are fixed, and strong enough to withstand temptation.  Edgar is very young, and you are not firm enough to have the guidance of him.”

“I can be firm enough in important things,” said Brandon; “but there are a number of little matters that a lad should learn to determine for himself.  Let us ask Edgar if he would like to go.  Don’t say anything for or against.  For once let the boy exercise his choice, and have the freedom of his own will.  You may reverse his decision afterwards if you see fit.”

Mrs. Holmes assented to this, but with some fear and trembling.  Edgar was called in, and his uncle kindly and fairly made him the offer.  The lad hesitated—­looked at his mother, then at his uncle, then at the floor.

“What do you think I should do, mamma?” said he.

“Your mother wishes you to make your own choice,” said Brandon.

“Then I think I should like to go with you, Uncle Walter.”

“No, no; I cannot part with you yet, my dear boy.”

“Nonsense, Fanny; do not stand in the boy’s light,” said Brandon, a little ruffled at being taken at his word, and the lad’s decision reversed by his mother.

“I don’t want to go if you do not wish it, mamma,” said Edgar, looking rather ashamed at his choice.

“Consult our mother and Mary on the matter, Fanny; I believe they will be more reasonable.”