And Then?

AND THEN? BY W. J. SLOAN. A few years ago a young man, fresh from one of the higher institutions of learning in "the North," paid a visit to the plan- tation of his uncle in one of the Southern States. The house, of "ante-bellum" style, was one of the few in that section that had not felt the direct blows of the war. The master, a gentleman of the old school, prided himself upon his hospitality and faithfulness to the traditions of the older times. To this home and by this man, the younger one was welcomed with love and respect. Upon the broad veranda, at the close of the day, the uncle and nephew could usually be found chatting until long after "early candle light." Favorite subjects of conversation, on the part of the elder man, were of the stormy days of the past; his love for the boy's mother, a brother's child whom he had raised and loved as a daughter; the family history; and the plans for the summer's work. The young man took pleasure in telling of his college life, the struggles there, and the final victory, as well as of his plans for the future. One evening, near the close of the visit, when twilight was casting its silent shadows over the land, and the moon peeped through the tops of a clump of pines to the east of the house, the uncle and nephew took their usual places upon the porch; the elder man spoke: "Edward, I do not feel like talking much tonight. You are going out in the world to fight the battle of life, and I feel that I would like to sit and listen while you tell me of your ambitions and hopes; what mark you expect to make in the world, as well

366 IMPR 0 VEMENT ERA. as what you intend to do to uphold the family name. I will listen, my boy — speak freely." "Uncle, you know so well how grateful I am for your kindness to me, during the years since my mother died, that I need not speak of that now. To use a college phrase, I can say that I ex- pect to 'make good' on your investment. My hopes and ambitions are high, but I believe that I can fulfill them. Hopes I have many, fears none; I have health, strength, a good education, and, through the family name and your good influence, I shall go out among friends. In the morning, I shall leave this dear old place, and go to the capital of the state, there to follow my chosen profes- sion; I shall open an office, hang out my 'shingle,' and be ready for fame and fortune. At first clients will be few, but I shall win their cases, and that will give me a start; other cases will then follow; I shall study and work hard, and more victories will be added to my credit. It will not be long before you hear of me, uncle, for I intend to make my mark and uphold the family name." The old man sat and listened. "It will not be long before I am recognized as one of the brightest men before the bar of the state, and instead of having to wait for small cases, large ones will come to me. I expect that the tender passion will come into my life, but, when I marry, it shall add to my influence, and lustre to the old name. In a few years, I expect to be known throughout the state as a leader in my profession, in politics, wealth and business. This will be but a step to higher honors — a state legislator, congressman from my district, governor of this commonwealth, and then a seat among the members of the upper branch of our nation's lawmakers; then will I be known as a leader, a man of influence and power. Such are my ambitions and hopes, uncle." "And should you accomplish all this, what then?" "What more could a man ask?" "But little; your ambitions are high; I wish you success; if your expectations come true, what then? What about the later years of your life?" "Should I live, I expect to pass the declining years of my life among those who love, honor and respect me." "And then?"