He died when his son was about eighteen years of age.

Henry was at that time studying law with Judge Bigelow.

As, in the settlement of his father's estate, it was found to be wholly insolvent, Henry, unwilling to be dependent on his mother, who had a small income in her own right, gave notice to the Judge that he was about to leave his office.

Now, the Judge was a man of penetration, and had already discovered in the quiet, reserved young man, just the qualities needed to give success in the practice of law.

He looked calmly at his student for some moments after receiving this announcement, conning over his face, which by no means gave indications of a happy state of mind.
"You think you can find a better preceptor ?" said the Judge, at last, in his calm way.
"No, sir! no!" answered Henry, quickly.