88 The Naturalist of Cumbrae. 



lishment, a china and earthenware shop in Jail 

 Square, Glasgow, in which my betrothed was an 

 attendant. 



" All had advised me, as before stated, not to enter 

 the medical profession, and all now advised me to 

 abide by it. But my determination was fixed, and 

 nothing would now induce me to become a medical 

 man. 



" I had set my mind on having a small shop in the 

 same line as that in which my betrothed was already 

 employed. She could manage it and I would continue 

 in my present employment, which now would have all 

 my time, and I should have more wages, which would 

 enable me to keep the house, leaving the profits of the 

 shop to pay rent and improve stock. A shop and 

 upper flat for dwelling-house were taken on the west 

 side corner of Jail Square, at a rent of twenty-five 

 pounds a year. I was free of debt, but my whole 

 stock of cash was only seven pounds, to marry, to 

 furnish my house, and stock my shop. Still I did 

 not despair. I had had a good lesson in economy, 

 and I had no pride to sustain, and I had confidence 

 in our combined energies." 



It may be guessed from this recital that it was not 

 infirmity of purpose that made Robertson, at the 

 eleventh hour, so to speak, give up the plan of ambi- 

 tion to which he had devoted so much energy and 

 self-denial. Though he mentions various sage reflec- 

 tions as affecting his decision, it is probable that he 

 asked his heart one famous old question which out- 

 weighed them all, "Will the love that you are rich 

 in make a fire in the kitchen ? " Clearly a young 



