"
"Well, child, I don't talk of him because it hurts me too much. He was
the only child I ever had, and if I live to be a hundred I sha'n't get
over his death. But he was like you--very neat in his person, and very
particular, and always keen over his books. And do you know what he said
to his father? It was when he was fifteen years old, just for all the
world about the age you are now. I mind the time as well as if it was
yesterday. Her father and I were sitting by the hearth, and the boy came
and stood near us. Your grandfather looked up at him, and his blue eyes
seemed to melt with love and pride, and he said:
"'What will you be, my boy? Will you let me teach you the business, and
save up all the money I can for you to sell groceries on a bigger scale?
There's many a small business like mine which, when built up, means a
great big business and much wealth. If you have a turn that way I could
set you on your legs; I am certain of it. I'd like to do it. Would you
like that best, or would you rather have a profession and be made a
gentleman?'
"'The gentleman part doesn't matter,' said our boy in reply to that;
'but I think, father, if you can give me my choice, I'd like best to be
that which, if necessary, would oblige me to give my life,'
"'What do you mean?' asked his father, and the lad explained with his
eyes shining.
"'I have only got one life,' he said, 'and I'd like to give it if
necessary.
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