PLANS OF LIFE. 
441 
“Yes, I suppose so. Grandfather says 
I must do as I please about it; and I know 
what that is. Only I am to go to school a 
year first, to learn mathematics and astro¬ 
nomy, and what not. What stories we 
shall have to tell one another when we get 
together again, after I have gone round the 
world, perhaps, and you have been away in 
New York,—perhaps even to Europe, to 
learn all about steam-engines,—and Dick 
comes home from college !” 
“Castles in the air, Sidney,” said Rich¬ 
ard. 
“Well,” replied Sidney, “they are cheap 
and harmless in this case, at least.” 
“And will you write to us, Jack? We 
shall want very much to hear how you get 
on.” 
“I will try, if you want me to,” replied 
Jack, evidently much pleased. “But you 
must not expect much: you know I am a 
poor hand at the pen.” 
“Nevermind that,” said Richard: “you 
have improved very much; and every one 
says there is no such good practice as 
writing letters.” 
