There were the three professions; but were they available?
Lionel felt no inclination to become a working drudge like poor Jan; and the Church, for which he had not any liking, he was by far too conscientious to embrace only as a means of living.

There remained the Bar; and to that he turned his attention, and resolved to qualify himself for it.

That there would be grinding, and drudgery, and hard work, and no pay for years, he knew; but, so there might be, go to what he would.

The Bar did hold out a chance of success, and there was nothing in it derogatory to the notions in which he had been reared--those of a gentleman.
Jan came to him one day about the time of the decision, and Lionel told him that he should soon be away; that he intended to enter himself at the Middle Temple, and take chambers.
"Law!" said Jan.

"Why, you'll be forty, maybe, before you ever get a brief.