"Don't look so serious," returned Richard, "because it's the best thing I can do, my dear Esther, I am certain. It's not as if I wanted a profession for life. These proceedings will come to a termination, and then I am provided for. No. I look upon it as a pursuit which is in its nature more or less unsettled, and therefore suited to my temporary condition--I may say, precisely suited. What is it that I naturally turn my thoughts to?"
I looked at him and shook my head.
"What," said Richard, in a tone of perfect conviction, "but the army!"
"The army?" said I.

"It's the best thing I can do, my dear Esther, I am certain. It's not as if I wanted a profession for life. The suit will end, and then I am provided for. Now this profession is unsettled, and is therefore suited to my temporary condition. It is the army!"
"The army?"
