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PAUL CLIFFORD.
173

cheating, and a diploma to feed upon others. I analyzed my talents, and looked to the customs of my country; the result was, my resolution to take to the Bar. I had an inexhaustible power of application; I was keen, shrewd, and audacious. All these qualities 'tell' at the courts of justice. I kept my legitimate number of terms,—I was called,—I went the circuit,—I obtained not a brief—not a brief, Julia! my health, never robust, gave way beneath study and irritation; I was ordered to betake myself to the country; I came to this village, as one both salubrious and obscure. I lodged in the house of your aunt, you came thither daily,—I saw you,—you know the rest. But where, all this time, were my noble friends? you will say. 'Sdeath, since we had left college, they had learnt a little of the wisdom I had then possessed; they were not disposed to give something for nothing; they had younger brothers and cousins, and mistresses, and, for aught I know, children, to provide for. Besides, they had their own expenses; the richer a man is, the less he has to give. One of them would have bestowed on me a living, if I had gone in the church; another,