So far he had evinced no predilection for any special career.

He was a sturdy, well-built lad of some sixteen years old.

He was, as his father said, not likely to set the Thames on fire in any way.

He was as undistinguished in the various sports popular among boys in those days as he was in his lessons.

He was as good as the average, but no better; had fought some tough fights with boys of his own age, and had shown endurance rather than brilliancy.
In the ordinary course of things he would probably in three or four years' time have chosen some profession; and, indeed, his father had already settled in his mind that as Harry was not likely to make any great figure in life in the way of intellectual capacity, the best thing would be to obtain for him a commission in his Majesty's service, as to which, with the doctor's connection among people of influence, there would not be any difficulty.