396 THE JOURNEYMAN. 



hardly know how, and never think of my profession, 

 except as fortunate in that it does not employ my mind, 

 and that I can prosecute it in the open air. These are 

 not che views of one destined to excel as a sculptor ; and 

 as for a mason, I am well enough as I am. My am- 

 bition points in a different direction; and when the 

 public shall have decided regarding my modicum of 

 literary ability, should the editorship of some magazine 

 or paper come my way, I shall cheerfully resign the 

 mallet altogether ; though till such an opportunity occurs 

 I shall grip fast to its rough handle as my only hold of 

 independence. Allan Cunningham's situation is con- 

 siderably different from the one referred to by Mrs 

 Grant. Chantrey is not merely a sculptor ; he is also a 

 contractor on a large scale for sepulchral monuments, and 

 employs many workmen; Allan is his foreman, and 

 manages the under details of his business ; were he 

 merely a sculptor, the poet would hold only the place of 

 one of -the mechanics whom he superintends. Favour 

 me, when you write Mrs Grant, by tendering her my 

 best thanks for her suggestion, and the interest she takes 

 in my welfare, and oblige me by stating that I cannot 

 avail myself of the former. But why, my dear madam, 

 apologize for the terms she employs in speaking of me ? 

 Trust me, I am not one of those who repay with insolence 

 the notice by which they are honoured. The much kind- 

 ness you have shown me, and the confidence you have 

 reposed in me, have not yet made me forget our respective 

 places in society ; and though no one entertains a more 

 sincere love of independence, or more carefully avoids 

 any imputation of meanness, it would not cost me a single 

 blush were the whole world to know how much cause 

 you have given me to be grateful/ 



