And so it was with the Massingbirds.

Mr.Verner was an easy man in regard to money matters; he was also a man who was particularly sensitive to the feelings of other people, and he had never breathed a word to his wife about the inexpediency of her keeping her sons at home in idleness.

He feared his motives might be misconstrued--that it might be thought he grudged the expense.

He had spoken once or twice of the desirability of his step-sons pursuing some calling in life, and intimated that he should be ready to further their views by pecuniary help; but the advice was not taken.

He offered to purchase a commission for one or both of them; he hinted that the bar afforded a stepping-stone to fame.