What of that ?" "There is a world there, Winthrop, -- another sort of world, -- where people know something; where other things are to be done than running plough furrows; where men may distinguish themselves! -- where men may read and write; and do something great; and grow to be something besides what nature made them! -- I want to be in that world." They both paused.
"But what will you do, Rufus, to get into that world?
-- we are shut in here." "_I_ am not shut in!" said the elder brother; and brow and lip and nostril said it over again; -- "I will live for something greater than this!" There was a deep-drawn breath from the boy at his side.
"So would I, if I could.

But what can we do ?" How difficult it was to do anything, both felt.

But after a deliberate pause of some seconds, Rufus answered, "There is only one thing to do.

-- I shall go to College." "To College! -- Will ?" The changes in the face of the younger boy were sudden and startling.

One moment the coronation of hope; the next moment despair had thrown the coronet off; one more, and the hand of determination, -- like Napoleon's, -- had placed it firmly on his brow; and it was never shaken again.