A Young man came to an aged professor of a distinguished, continental university, with a smiling face, and informed him that the long and fondly cherished desire of his heart was at length fulfilled-his parents had given their consent to his studying the profession of law. For some time he continued explaining how he would spare, no labor, nor expense, in perfecting his education. When he paused, the old man, who had been listening to him with patience and kindness, gently said, "Well! And when you have finished your studies, what do you mean to do then?" "Then I shall take my degree, answered the young man. "And then?" asked the professor. "And then." Continued the youth, " I shall have a number of difficult cases, and shall attract notice, and win a great reputation." "And then?" reported the wise man "Why then," pursued the young lawyer, "I shall live in honor and wealth, and look forward to a happy old age." "And then?" repeated

the old man. " And then," said the youth, "and then-and then-and then, I shall die." Here the venerable listener lifted his voice, and again ask, with solemnity and emphasis, "And then?" Whereupon the aspiring student made no answer, but cast down his head, and in silence and thoughtfulness retired. The last "And then?" had pierced his heart like a sword, which had made an impression that he could not dislodge.

What about you, as you reflect on this story? Do you posses the answer to the last question, "And then?" If not, please visit the Best of the Past. Therein lies the answer to..."And then?"