“I can’t feel so,” Herbert replied, tossing his head, “and I don’t believe that my father sees any more clearly than I do the use of all this.”

“You are wrong to talk so,” protested his friend, in a serious tone.  “I would not think as you do for the world.  My father knows what is best for me, and your father knows what is best for you; and if we do not study and improve our time, we will surely go wrong.”

“I am not afraid,” responded Herbert, closing the book which he had been reluctantly studying for half an hour, in the vain effort to fix a lesson on his unwilling memory.  Then taking some marbles from his pocket, he began to amuse himself with them, at the same time concealing them from the teacher.

William said no more, but turned to his lesson with an earnest attention.  The difference in the character of the two boys is plainly indicated in this brief conversation.  To their teacher it was evident in numerous particulars—­in their conduct, their habits, and their manners.  William always recited his lessons correctly, while Herbert never learned a lesson well.  One was always punctual at school, the other a loiterer by the way.  William’s books were well taken care of, Herbert’s were soiled, torn, disfigured, and broken.

Thus they began life.  The one obedient, industrious, attentive to the precepts of those who were older and wiser, and willing to be guided by them; the other indolent, and inclined to follow the leadings of his own will.  Now, at the age of thirty-five, Mr. Wheeler is an intelligent merchant, in an active business; while Mr. Allen is a journeyman mechanic, poor, in embarrassed circumstances, and possessing but a small share of general information.

[Illustration:  “The contrast in their appearance was very great.”]

“How do you do, my old friend?” said the merchant to the mechanic, about this time, as the latter entered the counting room of the former.  The contrast in their appearance was very great.  The merchant was well dressed, and had a cheerful look; while the other was poorly clad, and seemed troubled and dejected.

“I cannot say that I do very well, Mr. Wheeler,” the mechanic replied, in a tone of despondency.  “Work is very dull, and wages low; and, with so large a family as I have, it is tough enough getting along under the best circumstances.”

“I am really sorry to hear you say so,” replied the merchant, in a kind tone.  “How much can you earn now?”

“If I had steady work, I could make twelve or fifteen dollars a week.  But our business is very bad.  The consequence is, that I do not average nine dollars a week, the year round.”

“How large is your family?”

“I have five children, sir.”

“Five children!  And only nine dollars a week!”

“That is all, sir; but nine dollars a week will not support them, and I am, in consequence, going behindhand.”

“You ought to try to get into some other business.”