You are aware, Doctor, that my heart is in my profession." "So I have seen from the beginning." "I will not deny," he added, "that I have ambition.

That I wish to be distinguished at the bar." "An honorable ambition," said I.
"Nor that, sometimes--in moments of weakness, perhaps--my dreams have gone higher.

But I am a very young man, and youth is ardent and imaginative," he added.
"And you have this great advantage," I replied, "that, with every year added to your life, you may, if you will, grow wiser and stronger.

You stand, as all young minds, at the bottom of a ladder.

The height to which you climb will depend upon your strength and endurance." "If we both live long enough, Doctor, you may see me on the topmost rundle, for I shall climb with unwearying effort." He spoke with a fine enthusiasm, that lent a manly beauty to his face.
"Climb on," I answered, "and you will rise high above the great mass, who are aimless and indolent.