some more richly endowed than others, some whom nature seems to have destined for arduous diplomatic posts; whose privilege it is to guide the helm of state and achieve distinction as men of genius.  To such the call will be imperative; America needs such men.  Heaven only knows where they are to rise from, when the call is made!  I do not mean to disparage mercantile pursuits; they afford constant opportunities for the exercise and display of keenness and clearness of intellect, but do not require the peculiar gifts so essential in statesmen.  Indolence is unpardonable in any avocation, and I would be commended to the industrious, energetic merchant, in preference to superficial, so-called, ‘professional men.’  But Eugene had rare educational advantages, and I expected him to improve them, and be something more than ordinary.  He expected it, five years ago.  What infatuation possesses him latterly I cannot imagine.”

Dr. Hartwell smiled, and said very quietly:  “Has it ever occurred to you that you might have overestimated Eugene’s abilities?”

“Sir, you entertained a flattering opinion of them when he left here.”  She could animadvert upon his fickleness, but did not choose that others should enjoy the same privilege.

“I by no means considered him an embryo Webster or Calhoun; never looked on him as an intellectual prodigy.  He had a good mind, a handsome face, and frank, gentlemanly manners which, in the aggregate, impressed me favorably.”  Beulah bit her lips, and stooped to pat Charon’s head.  There was silence for some moments, and then the doctor asked: 

“Does he mention Cornelia’s health?”

“Only once, incidentally.  I judge from the sentence that she is rather feeble.  There is a good deal of unimportant chat about a lady they have met in Florence.  She is the daughter of a Louisiana planter; very beautiful and fascinating; is a niece of Mrs. Graham’s, and will spend part of next winter with the Grahams.”

“What is her name?”

“Antoinette Dupres.”

Beulah was still caressing Charon, and did not observe the purplish glow which bathed the doctor’s face at the mention of the name.  She only saw that he rose abruptly, and walked to the window, where he stood until tea was brought in.  As they concluded the meal and left the table he held out his hand.

“Beulah, I congratulate you on your signal success to-day.  Your valedictory made me proud of my protegee.”  She had put her hand in his, and looked up in his face, but the cloudy splendor of the eyes was more than she could bear, and drooping her head a little, she answered: 

“Thank you.”

“You have vacation for two months?”

“Yes, sir; and then my duties commence.  Here is the certificate of my election.”  She offered it for inspection; but, without noticing it, he continued: 

“Beulah, I think you owe me something for taking care of you, as you phrased it long ago at the asylum.  Do you admit the debt?”