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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Louis' School Days, by E. J. May
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Louis' School Days
+       A Story for Boys
+
+Author: E. J. May
+
+Release Date: November 17, 2006 [EBook #19855]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LOUIS' SCHOOL DAYS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Justin Gillbank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously
+made available by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+LOUIS' SCHOOL DAYS,
+
+
+A STORY FOR BOYS.
+
+By E. J. May
+
+
+[Illustration: Louis and Meredith on Brandon Hill. Page 76.]
+
+
+NEW-YORK:
+D. APPLETON & COMPANY, 200 BROADWAY.
+1852.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+It was originally my intention to leave the child of my imagination
+to make its way where it would, without any letter of introduction in
+the form of the usual prefatory address to the reader; but having been
+assured that a preface is indispensable, I am laid under the necessity
+of formally giving a little insight into the character of the possible
+inmate of many a happy home.
+
+Reader, the following pages claim no interest on the score of
+authenticity. They are no fiction _founded on facts_. They profess
+to be nothing but fiction, used as a vehicle for illustrating certain
+broad and fundamental truths in our holy religion.
+
+It has often struck me, in recalling religious stories (to which I
+acknowledge myself much indebted), that many of them fell into an error
+which might have the effect of confusing the mind of a thinking child,
+namely, that of drawing a perfect character as soon as the soul has
+laid hold of Christ, without any mention of those struggles through
+which the Christian must pass, in order to preserve a holy consistency
+before men. This would seem to exclude the necessity of maintaining
+a _warfare_.
+
+The doctrine I have endeavored to maintain in the following pages is,
+that man being born in "sin, a child of wrath," has, by nature, all his
+affections estranged from God; that, when by grace, through faith in
+Christ, a new life has been implanted within him, his affections are
+restored to their rightful Lord, every thought and imagination is
+brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; and his whole being
+longs to praise Him who has called him "out of darkness into light"--to
+praise Him "not only with his lips, but in his life." Then commences the
+struggle between light and darkness, between the flesh and the spirit,
+between the old and new man; and the results of this conflict are seen
+in the outward conduct of the Christian soldier.
+
+The character of the child of God does not essentially alter, but a
+new impulse is given him. Whatever good quality was in his natural
+state conspicuous in him, will, in a state of grace and newness of
+life, shine forth with double lustre; and he will find his besetting
+sin his greatest hindrance in pressing forward to the attainment of
+personal holiness. The great wide difference is, that he _desires_ to
+be holy, and the Lord, who gives him this desire, gives him also the
+strength to overcome his natural mind; and the more closely he waits
+on his heavenly Father for His promised aid, the more holily and
+consistently he will walk; and when, through the deceits of his heart,
+the allurements of the world, or the temptations of Satan, he relaxes
+his vigilance, and draws less largely from the fountain of his strength,
+a sad falling away is the inevitable consequence. This warfare, this
+danger of backsliding, ends only with the life, when, and when _only_,
+he will be perfect, for he shall be like his Saviour.
+
+As a writer for the young, I dare not plead even the humble pretensions
+of my little volume in deprecation of the criticism which ought to be the
+lot of every work professing to instruct others. In choosing the arena
+of a boy's school for the scene of my hero's actions, I have necessarily
+been compelled to introduce many incidents and phrases to which, perhaps,
+some very scrupulous critics might object as out of place in a religious
+work; but my readers will do well to recollect, that to be useful, a
+story must be attractive, and to be attractive, it must be natural; and
+I trust that they who candidly examine mine will find nothing therein
+that can produce a wrong impression. It has not been without an anxious
+sense of the great responsibility dependent on me in my present capacity,
+that this little effort has been made. Should it be the instrument of
+strengthening in one young one the best lessons he has received, it will,
+indeed, not have been in vain. To the service of Him who is the strength
+and help of all His people, it is dedicated.
+
+              "Be Thou alone exalted:
+          If there's a thought of favor placed on me--
+              THINE be it all!
+          Forgive its evil and accept its good--
+          I cast it at Thy feet."
+
+                                                      E.J.M.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Doleful were the accounts received from time to time of Louis Mortimer's
+life with his tutor at Dashwood Rectory; and, if implicit credence might
+be yielded to them, it would be supposed that no poor mortal was ever so
+persecuted by Latin verses, early rising, and difficult problems, as our
+hero. His eldest brother, to whom these pathetic relations were made,
+failed not to stimulate him with exciting passages of school life--and
+these, at last, had the desired effect, drawing from Louis the following
+epistle:
+
+
+  "My dear Reginald,
+
+  "Your letter was as welcome as usual. You cannot imagine what
+  a treat it is to hear from you. Mr. Phillips is kind, but so
+  very different from dear Mr. Daunton. What I dislike most is,
+  that he says so often, 'What _did_ Mr. Daunton teach you? I
+  never saw a boy so ignorant in my life!' I do not care how
+  much he says of me, but I cannot bear to hear him accuse dear
+  Mr. Daunton of not teaching me properly. I believe I am really
+  idle often, but sometimes, when I try most, it seems to give
+  least satisfaction. The other day I was busy two hours at
+  some Latin verses, and I took so much pains with them--I had
+  written an 'Ode to the Rising Sun,' and felt quite interested,
+  and thought Mr. Phillips would be pleased; but when I took it
+  to him, he just looked at it, and taking a pen dashed out word
+  after word, and said, so disagreeably, 'Shocking! Shocking,
+  Louis! Disgraceful, after all that I said yesterday--the pains
+  that I took with you,' 'Indeed, sir,' I said, 'I tried a great
+  deal,' 'Fine ideas! fine ideas! no doubt,' he said, 'but I have
+  told you dozens of times that I do not want _ideas_--I want
+  _feet_.' I wish those same feet would run away to Clifton with
+  me, Reginald; I hope I have not been saying any thing wrong
+  about Mr. Phillips--I should be very sorry to do so, for he
+  is very kind in his way: he tells me I do not know what I am
+  wishing for, and that school will not suit me, and a great deal
+  about my having to fag much harder and getting into disgrace;
+  but never mind, I should like to make the experiment, for I
+  shall be with you; and, dear as Dashwood is, it is _so_ dull
+  without papa and mamma--I can hardly bear to go into the
+  Priory now they are away. I seem to want Freddy's baby-voice
+  in the nursery; and sober Neville and Mary are quite a part
+  of home--how long it seems since I saw them! Well, I hope I
+  shall come to you at Easter. Do you not wish it were here?
+  I had a nice letter from mamma yesterday--she was at Florence
+  when she wrote, and is getting quite strong, and so is little
+  Mary. I have now no more time; mamma said papa had written
+  to you, or I would have told you all the news. I wanted to
+  tell you very much how our pigeons are, and the rabbits, and
+  Mary's hen, which I shall give in Mrs. Colthrop's care when
+  I leave Dashwood. But good bye, in a great hurry. With much
+  love, I remain your very affectionate brother,
+
+                              "LOUIS FRANCIS MORTIMER.
+
+  "P.S. Do you remember cousin Vernon's laughing at
+  our embrace at Heronhurst? I wonder when I shall have
+  another--I am longing so to see you."
+
+
+It would not concern my readers much were I to describe the precise
+locality of the renowned Dr. Wilkinson's establishment for young
+gentlemen--suffice it to say, that somewhere near Durdham Down,
+within a short walk of Clifton, stood Ashfield House, a large
+rambling building, part of which looked gray and timeworn when
+compared with the modern school-room, and sundry dormitories, that
+had been added at different periods as the school grew out of its
+original domains. Attached to the house was a considerable extent
+of park land, which was constituted the general play-ground.
+
+At the time of which I am writing, Dr. Wilkinson's school consisted
+of nearly eighty pupils, all of whom were boarders, and who were
+sent from different parts of the kingdom; for the doctor's fame, as
+an excellent man, and what, in the eyes of some was even a greater
+recommendation, as a first-rate classical scholar, was spread far and
+wide. At the door of this house, one fine April day, Louis presented
+himself; and, after descending from the vehicle which brought him from
+Bristol, followed the servant into the doctor's dining-room, where we
+will leave him in solitary grandeur, or, more correctly speaking,
+in agitating expectation, while we take a peep at the room on the
+opposite side of the hall. In this, Dr. Wilkinson was giving audience
+to a gentleman who had brought back his little boy a few minutes before
+Louis arrived. Having some private business to transact, the child was
+sent to the school-room, and then Mr. Percy entered into a discussion
+respecting the capabilities of his son, and many other particulars,
+which, however interesting to himself, would fail of being so to us.
+
+At length these topics were exhausted, and it seemed nearly decided
+how much was to be done or discontinued in Master Percy's education.
+Mr. Percy paused to consider if any thing were left unsaid.
+
+"Oh! by the by, Dr. Wilkinson," he said, letting fall the pencil with
+which he had been tapping the table during his cogitations, "you have
+one of Sir George Vernon's grandsons with you, I believe?"
+
+"Two of them," replied the doctor.
+
+"Ah! indeed, I mean young Mortimer, son of Mr. Mortimer of Dashwood."
+
+"I have his eldest son, and am expecting another to-day."
+
+"Then it was your expected pupil that I saw this morning,"
+said Mr. Percy.
+
+"May I ask where?" said the doctor.
+
+"At the White Lion. He came down by the London coach. I saw his trunk,
+in the first place, addressed to you, and supposed him to be the young
+gentleman who attained to some rather undesirable notoriety last year."
+
+"How so?" asked the doctor.
+
+"Oh! he very ungenerously and artfully endeavored to retain for
+himself the honor of writing a clever little essay, really the work
+of his brother, and actually obtained a prize from his grandfather
+for it."
+
+"How came that about?" asked Dr. Wilkinson.
+
+"Oh! there was some mistake in the first instance, I believe, and the
+mean little fellow took advantage of it."
+
+Mr. Percy then gave a detailed account of Louis' birthday at Heronhurst,
+and concluded by saying--
+
+"I was not present, but I heard it from a spectator; I should be afraid
+that you will not have a little trouble with such a character."
+
+"It is extraordinary," said the doctor; "his brother is the most frank,
+candid fellow possible."
+
+"I hear he is a nice boy," said Mr. Percy. "There is frequently great
+dissimilarity among members of the same family; but of course, this
+goes no further. It is as well you should know it,--but I should not
+talk of it to every one."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson bowed slightly, and remained silent, without exhibiting
+any peculiar gratification at having been made the depository of the
+secret. Mr. Percy presently rose and took his leave; and Dr. Wilkinson
+was turning towards the staircase, when a servant informed him that a
+young gentleman waited to see him in the dining-room.
+
+"Oh!" said the doctor to himself, "my dilatory pupil, I presume."
+
+He seemed lost in thought for a minute, and then slowly crossing
+the hall, entered the dining-room.
+
+Louis had been very anxious for the appearance of his master, yet
+almost afraid to see him; and when the door opened, and this gentleman
+stood before him, he was seized with such a palpitation as scarcely to
+have the power of speech.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson was certainly a person calculated to inspire a school-boy
+with awe. He was a tall, dignified man, between fifty and sixty years
+of age, with a magnificent forehead and good countenance: the latter
+was not, however, generally pleasing, the usual expression being stern
+and unyielding. When he smiled, that expression vanished; but to a
+new-comer there was something rather terrible in the compressed lips
+and overhanging eyebrows, from under which a pair of the keenest black
+eyes seemed to look him through.
+
+Louis rose and bowed on his master's entrance.
+
+"How do you do, Mortimer?" said the doctor, shaking hands with him.
+"I dare say you are tired of waiting. You have not seen your brother,
+I suppose?"
+
+"No, sir," replied Louis, looking in the stern face with something
+of his customary simple confidence. Doctor Wilkinson smiled, and
+added, "You are very like your father,--exceedingly like what he
+was at your age."
+
+"Did you know him then, sir?" asked Louis, timidly.
+
+"Yes, as well as I hope to know you in a short time. What is your name?"
+
+"Louis Francis, sir."
+
+"What! your father's name--that is just what it should be. Well, I hope,
+Louis, you will now endeavor to give him the utmost satisfaction. With
+such a father, and such a home, you have great privileges to account
+for; and it is your place to show to your parents of what use their
+care and instruction have been. In a large school you will find many
+things so different from home, that, unless you are constantly on your
+guard, you will often be likely to do things which may afterwards cause
+you hours of pain. Remember that you are a responsible creature sent
+into the world to act a part assigned to you by your Maker; and to Him
+must the account of every talent be rendered, whether it be used, or
+buried in the earth. As a Christian gentleman, see, Louis, that you
+strive to do your part with all your might."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson watched the attention and ready sympathy with his
+admonition displayed by Louis; and in spite of the warning he had
+so lately received, felt very kindly and favorably disposed towards
+his new pupil.
+
+"Come with me," he said, "I will introduce you to your school-fellows;
+I have no doubt you will find your brother among them somewhere."
+
+Louis followed Dr. Wilkinson through a door at the further end of the
+hall, leading into a smaller hall which was tapestried with great-coats,
+cloaks, and hats; and here an increasing murmur announced the fact of
+his near approach to a party of noisy boys. As the doctor threw open
+the folding-doors leading into the noble school-room, Louis felt
+almost stupefied by the noise and novelty. A glass door leading into
+the play-ground was wide open, and, as school was just over, there
+was a great rush into the open air. Some were clambering in great
+haste over desks and forms; and the shouting, singing, and whistling,
+together with the occasional overthrow of a form, and the almost
+incessant banging of desk-lids, from those who were putting away
+slates and books, formed a scene perfectly new and bewildering to
+our hero.
+
+The entrance of Dr. Wilkinson stilled the tumult in a slight degree,
+and in half a minute after, the room was nearly cleared, and a passage
+was left for the new-comers towards the upper end. Here was a knot of
+great boys (or, rather, craving their pardon, I should say _young men_),
+all engaged in eager and merry confabulation. So intent were they that
+their master's approach was wholly unnoticed by them. One of these young
+gentlemen was sitting tailor fashion on the top of a desk, apparently
+holding forth for the edification of his more discreet companions,
+to whom he seemed to afford considerable amusement, if the peals of
+laughter with which his sallies were received might be considered any
+proof. A little aloof from this party, but within hearing, stood a
+youth of about seventeen, of whom nothing was remarkable, but that his
+countenance wore a very sedate and determined expression. He seemed
+struggling with a determination not to indulge a strong propensity
+to laugh; but, though pretending to be occupied with a book, his
+features at length gave way at some irresistible sally, and throwing
+his volume at the orator, he exclaimed--
+
+"How can you be such an ass, Frank!"
+
+"There now," said Frank, perfectly unmoved, "the centre of gravity is
+disturbed,--well, as I was saying,--Here's the doctor!" and the young
+gentleman, who was no other than Frank Digby, brother of Louis' cousin
+Vernon, dismounted from his rostrum in the same instant that his auditors
+turned round, thereby acknowledging the presence of their master.
+
+"I have brought you a new school-fellow, gentlemen," said the doctor;
+"where is Mortimer?"
+
+"Here, sir," cried Reginald, popping up from behind a desk, where he
+had been pinned down by a short thick-set boy, who rose as if by magic
+with him.
+
+"Here is your brother."
+
+Louis and Reginald scrambled over all obstacles, and stood before
+the doctor, in two or three seconds.
+
+In spite of Louis' valiant protestations the preceding mid-summer
+at Heronhurst, he did not dare, in the presence of only a quarter
+of the hundred and twenty eyes, to embrace his brother, but contented
+himself with a most energetic squeeze, and a look that said volumes;
+and, indeed, it must be confessed, that Reginald was not an inviting
+figure for an embrace; for, independently of a rough head, and
+dust-bedecked garments, his malicious adversary had decorated his
+face with multitudinous ink-spots, a spectacle which greatly provoked
+the mirth of his laughter-loving school-fellows.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson made some remark on the singularity of his pupil's
+appearance, and then, commending Louis to the kind offices of
+the assembled party, left the room.
+
+He had scarcely closed the door behind him, when several loiterers
+from the lower part of the room came up; and Reginald and his brother
+were immediately assailed with a number of questions, aimed with such
+rapidity as to be unanswerable.
+
+"When did you come?" "Who's that, Mortimer?" "Is that your brother?"
+"What's his name?" "Shall you be in our class?" "Why didn't you stay
+longer in Bristol?--If I had been you I would!"
+
+Louis was amused though puzzled, and turned first one way, and then
+another, in his futile attempts to see and reply to his interrogators.
+
+"Make way!" at last exclaimed Frank Digby; "you are quite embarrassing
+to her ladyship. Will the lady Louisa take my arm? Allow me, madam, to
+interpose my powerful authority." And he offered his arm to Louis with
+a smirk and low bow, which set all the spectators off laughing; for
+Frank was one of those privileged persons, who, having attained a
+celebrity for being _very funny_, can excite a laugh with very little
+trouble.
+
+"Don't, Frank!" said Reginald.
+
+"_Don't!_ really, Mr. Mortimer, if you have no respect for your
+sister's feelings, it is time that I interposed. Here you allow this
+herd of _I don't know what to call them_, to incommode her with their
+senseless clamor. I protest, she is nearly fainting; she has been
+gasping for breath the last five minutes. Be off, ye fussy, curious,
+prying, peeping, pressing-round fellows; or, I promise you, you shall
+be visited with his majesty's heaviest displeasure."
+
+"How do you do, lady Louisa? I hope your ladyship's in good health!"
+"Don't press on her!" was now echoed mischievously in various tones
+around Louis, whose color was considerably heightened by this
+unexpected attack.
+
+"Now do allow me," persisted Frank, dragging Louis' hand in his arm,
+in spite of all the victim's efforts to prevent it, and leading him
+forcibly through the throng, which made way on every side, to Edward
+Hamilton, the grave youth before mentioned:--"His majesty is anxious
+to make the acquaintance of his fair subject. Permit me to present to
+your majesty the lovely, gentle, blushing lady Louisa Mortimer, lately
+arrived in your majesty's kingdom; your majesty will perceive that she
+bears loyalty in her--hey! what! excited!--hysterics!"
+
+The last exclamations were elicited by a violent effort of Louis to
+extricate himself.
+
+"Frank, leave him alone!"
+
+"What is the will of royalty?" said Frank, struggling with his
+refractory cousin.
+
+"That you leave Louis Mortimer alone," said Hamilton. "You will like us
+better presently, Louis," added he, shaking hands with him: "my subjects
+appear to consider themselves privileged to be rude to a new-comer; but
+my royal example will have its weight in due time."
+
+"Your majesty's faithful trumpeter, grand vizier, and factotum is alive
+and hearty," said Frank.
+
+"But as he had a selfish fit upon him just now," returned Hamilton,
+"we were under the necessity of doing our own business."
+
+"I crave your majesty's pardon," said Frank, stroking his sovereign
+tenderly on the shoulder; for which affectionate demonstration he was
+rewarded by a violent push that laid him prostrate.
+
+"I am a martyr to my own benevolence," said Frank, getting up and
+approaching Louis, "still I am unchanged in devotion to your ladyship.
+Tell me what I can do,"--and whichever way Louis turned, Frank with
+his smirking face presented himself;--"Will you not give your poor
+slave one command?"
+
+"Only that you will stand out of my sunshine," said Louis good-temperedly.
+
+"Very good," exclaimed Hamilton.
+
+"Out of your sunshine! What, behind you? that is cruel, but most
+obsequiously I obey."
+
+Louis underwent the ordeal of a new scholar's introduction with
+unruffled temper, though his cousin took care there should be little
+cessation until afternoon school, when Louis was liberated from his
+tormentors to his great satisfaction--Frank's business carrying him
+to a part of the school-room away from that where Louis was desired to
+await further orders. In the course of the afternoon, he was summoned
+to the presence of Dr. Wilkinson, who was holding a magisterial levee
+in one of two class-rooms or studies adjoining the school-room. The
+doctor appeared in one of his sternest humors. Besides the fourteen
+members of the first class, whose names Louis knew already, there
+was in this room a boy about Louis' age, who seemed in some little
+trepidation. Doctor Wilkinson closed the book he held, and laying it
+down, dismissed his pupils; then turning to the frightened-looking boy,
+he took a new book off the table, saying, "Do you know this, Harrison?"
+
+"Yes, sir," faintly replied the boy.
+
+"Where did you get it?"
+
+"I bought it."
+
+"To assist you in winning prizes from your more honorable class-fellows,
+I suppose," said the doctor, with the most marked contempt. "Since you
+find Kenrick too difficult for you, you may go into the third class,
+where there may be, perhaps, something better suited to your capacity;
+and beware a second offence: you may go, sir."
+
+Louis felt great pity for the boy, who turned whiter still, and then
+flushed up, as if ready to burst into tears.
+
+"Well, Louis, I wish to see what rank you will be able to take,"
+said the doctor, and he proceeded with his examination.
+
+"Humph!" he ejaculated at length, "pretty well--you may try in the
+second class. I can tell you that you must put your shoulder to
+the wheel, and make the most of your powers, or you will soon be
+obliged to leave it for a less honorable post; but let me see what
+you can do--and now put these books away on that shelf." As he spoke,
+the doctor pointed to a vacant place on one of the shelves that lined
+two sides of the study, and left the room. Louis put the books away,
+and then returned to the school-room, where he sought his brother, and
+communicated his news just before the general uproar attendant on the
+close of afternoon school commenced.
+
+Reginald was one of the most noisy and eager in his preparations for
+play; and, dragging Louis along with him, bounded into the fresh air,
+with that keen feeling of enjoyment which the steady industrious
+school-boy knows by experience.
+
+"What a nice play-ground this is!" said Louis.
+
+"Capital!" said Reginald. "What's the fun, Frank?" he cried to his
+cousin, who bounded past him at this moment, towards a spot already
+tolerably crowded.
+
+"Maister Dunn," shouted Frank.
+
+"Oh, the old cake-man, Louis," said Reginald; "I must go and get rid
+of a few surplus pence."
+
+"Do you like to spend your money in cakes?" asked Louis; "I have plenty,
+Mrs. Colthrop took care of that."
+
+"In that case I'll save for next time," said Reginald, "but let's go
+and see what's going on."
+
+Accordingly Reginald ran off in the cake-man's direction. Louis followed,
+and presently found himself standing in the outer circle of a group of
+his school-fellows, who formed a thick wall round a white-haired old
+man and a boy, both of whom carried a basket on each arm, filled with
+dainties always acceptable to a school-boy's palate.
+
+[Illustration: Maister Dunn.]
+
+Were I inclined to moralize, I might here make a few remarks on waste of
+money, &c., but my business being merely to relate incidents at present,
+I shall only say that there they stood, the old man and his assistant,
+with the boys in constant motion and murmur around them.
+
+Frank Digby and Hamilton were in the outer circle, the latter having
+_walked_ from a direction opposite to that from which Frank and Reginald
+came, but whose dignity did not prevent a certain desire to purchase if
+he saw fit, and if not, to amuse himself with those who did so. He stood
+watching the old man with an imperturbable air of gravity, and, hanging
+on his arm in a state of listless apathy, stood Trevannion, another
+member of the first class.
+
+Frank Digby took too active a share in most things in the establishment
+to remain a passive spectator of the actions of others, and began pushing
+right and left. "Get along, get away ye vagabonds!" he politely cried:
+"you little shrimps! what business have you to stop the way?--Alfred, you
+ignoramus! Alfred, why don't you move?"
+
+"Because I'm buying something," said the little boy addressed, looking
+up very quietly at the imperious intruder.
+
+"_Da locum melioribus_, Alfred, as the poet has it. Do you know where
+to find that, my boy?--the first line of the thirteenth book of the
+Aeneid, being a speech of the son of Anchises to the Queen of Carthage.
+You'll find a copy of Virgil's works in my desk."
+
+"I don't mean to look," said Alfred, "I know it's in the Delectus."
+
+"Wonderful memory!--I admire that delectable book of yours," cried Frank,
+who talked on without stopping, while forcing himself to the first rank.
+"How now, Maister Dunn!" he said, addressing the old man, "I hope you
+b'aint a going to treat us as e did last time. You must be reasonable;
+the money market is in a sadly unflourishing condition at present."
+
+"You always talk of the _money market_, Frank," said little Alfred:
+"what do you mean by the money market?"
+
+"It's a place, my dear--I'll explain it in a moment. Here, Maister
+Dunn;--It's a place where the old women sell sovereigns a penny
+a measure, Alfred."
+
+"Oh, Frank!" exclaimed Alfred.
+
+"Oh! and why not?" said Frank; "do you mean to say you don't believe me?
+That's it,--isn't it, maister?"
+
+"Ah, Maister Digby! ye're at yer jokes," said the old man.
+
+"Jokes!" said Frank, with a serious air. "Pray, Mr. Dunn, did you ever
+happen to notice certain brass, or copper, or bronze tables, four in
+number, in front of the Bristol Exchange!"
+
+"Ay sure, maister!"
+
+"Well, I'll insense you into the meaning of that, presently. That, my
+good sir, is where the old women stood in the good old times, crying
+out, 'Here you are! sovereigns a penny a measure!' And that's the reason
+people used to be so rich!"
+
+"Oh, Frank! now I know that's only your nonsense," said Alfred.
+
+"Well, I can't give you a comprehension, and if I could buy you one, I
+couldn't afford it," answered Frank. "Now here's my place for any one;
+Louis, I'll make you a present of it, as I don't want it."
+
+"I don't want to buy any thing," said Louis.
+
+"Rubbish!" cried Frank. "Every one does. Don't be stingy." And so
+Louis allowed himself to be pushed and pulled into the crowd, and
+bought something he would much rather have been without, because
+he found it inconvenient to say _no_.
+
+The two upper classes were privileged to use the largest of the
+class-rooms as their sitting-room in the evenings; and here Reginald
+introduced his brother after tea; and, when he had shown him his
+lessons, began to prepare his own. Most of the assembled youths were
+soon quietly busy, though some of the more idly disposed kept up a fire
+of words, while turning over leaves, and cutting pens to pieces. Among
+the latter class was Frank Digby, who was seldom known to be silent
+for a quarter of an hour, and who possessed the singular power of
+distracting every one's attention but his own; for, though he scarcely
+ever appeared to give his lessons a moment's attention, he was generally
+sufficiently prepared with them to enable him to keep his place in his
+class, which was usually two from the bottom.
+
+Louis saw that he must give his whole mind to his work; but being
+unused to study in a noise, it was some time before he was well able
+to comprehend what he wanted to do; and found himself continually
+looking up and laughing at something around him, or replying to some
+of Frank's jokes, which were often directed to him. When, by a great
+exertion, he had at last forced himself to attend to Reginald's repeated
+warnings, and had begun to learn in earnest, the door softly opened,
+and the little boy he had noticed in the crowd that afternoon came in.
+
+"Halloa! what do you want?" cried one of the seniors; "you have no
+business here."
+
+"Is Edward here, Mr. Salisbury?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Do you know where he is, please?"
+
+"With the doctor," replied the young gentleman.
+
+"Oh dear!" sighed the little boy, venturing to approach the table a
+little nearer.
+
+"What's the matter with you?" asked Reginald.
+
+"I can't do this," said the child: "I wanted Edward to help me with
+my exercise."
+
+"My little dear, you have just heard that sapient Fred Salisbury declare,
+in the most civil terms chooseable, that your fraternal preceptor,
+Edwardus magnus, _non est inventus_," said Frank, pompously, with a
+most condescending flourish of his person in the direction of the
+little boy.
+
+"And, consequently," said the afore-mentioned Mr. Salisbury, "you
+have free leave to migrate to York, Bath, Jericho, or any other
+equally convenient resort for bores in general, and you in particular."
+
+"Please, Mr. Digby," said the little boy, "will you just show me this?"
+
+"Indeed I can't," said Frank; "I can't do my own, so in all reason
+you could not expect me to find brains for two exercises."
+
+"Oh! please somebody show me--Dr. Wilkinson will be so angry if
+Mr. Norton sends me up again to-morrow."
+
+"Will you go?" shouted Salisbury, with such deliberate energy of
+enunciation that Alfred shrunk back: "what's the use of your exercises,
+if you're shown how to do them?"
+
+"Come here, Alfred," said Louis, softly. Alfred readily obeyed;
+and Louis, taking his book, began to show him what to do.
+
+"Louis, you must not tell him word for word," said Reginald:
+"Hamilton wouldn't like it--he never does himself."
+
+"But I may help him to do it for himself, may I not?" said Louis.
+
+"Yes; but, Louis, you have not time--and he is so stupid,"
+replied Reginald; "you won't have time to do your own."
+
+But Louis thought he should have time for both, and, putting his arm
+round Alfred, he kindly and patiently set him in the way of doing his
+lesson properly, and then resumed his own disturbed studies.
+
+Hardly, however, was he settled than he found himself listening to Frank,
+who remarked, as Alfred left the room, "We shall be sure to have 'Oars'
+in soon!"
+
+"Who do you mean by Oars?" asked Louis.
+
+"Churchill," said Reginald, laughing.
+
+"What an extraordinary name!" said Louis.
+
+"I say, Digby," cried a boy from the opposite side of the table,
+"they give you the credit of that cognomen--but we are all in the
+dark as to its origin."
+
+"Like the origin of all truly great," answered Frank, "it was very
+simple: Churchill came one day to me with his usual 'Do tell us a bit,
+that's a good fellow,' and after he had badgered me some minutes,
+I asked him if he had not the smallest idea of his lesson--so, after
+looking at it another minute, he begins thus, '_Omnes_, all.' 'Bravo!'
+replied I. '_Conticuere_--What's that, Frank?' 'Were silent,' I answered:
+'Go on.' After deep cogitation, and sundry hints, he discovered that
+_tenebant_ must have some remote relationship to a verb signifying
+to hold fast, and forthwith a bright thought strikes him, and on we go:
+'_Intentique ora tenebant_--and intently they hold their oars,' he said,
+exultingly. 'Very well,' quoth I, approvingly, and continued for him,
+'_Inde toro pater_--the waters flowed glibly farther on, _ab alto_--to
+the music of the spheres; the inseparable Castor and Pollux looking
+down benignantly on their namesake below.' Here I was stopped by the
+innocent youth's remark, that I certainly was quizzing, for he knew
+that Castor and Pollux were the same in Latin as in English. Whereupon,
+I demanded, with profound gravity, whether _gemini_ did not mean
+twins, and if the twins were not Castor and Pollux--and if he knew
+(who knew so much better than I) whether or no there might not be some
+word in the Latin language, besides _gemini_, signifying twins; and
+that if it was his opinion that I was quizzing, he had better do his
+lesson himself. He looked hard, and, thinking I was offended, begged
+pardon; and believing that _jubes_ was Castor and Pollux, we
+got on quite famously--and he was quite reassured when we turned
+from the descriptive to the historical, beginning with _Aeneas sic
+orsus infandum_--Aeneas was such a horrid bear."
+
+"Didn't you tell him of his mistake?" asked Louis, who could not
+help laughing.
+
+"What! spoil the fun and the lesson I meant to give him?--not I."
+
+"Well, what then, Frank?" said Reginald.
+
+"Why, imagine old Whitworth's surprise, when, confident in the free
+translation of a first-class man, Oars flowed on as glibly as the
+waters; Whitworth heard him to the end in his old dry way, and then
+asked him where he got that farrago of nonsense;--I think he was
+promoted to the society of dunces instanter, and learns either
+Delectus or Eutropius now. Of course, he never applied again to me."
+
+Louis did not express his opinion that Frank was ill-natured, though
+he thought so, in spite of the hearty laugh with which his story was
+greeted. When he turned again to his lesson, he found his book had
+been abstracted.
+
+"I tell you what," cried Reginald, fiercely, "I won't have Louis
+tormented--who has taken his book? It's you, Ferrers, I am sure."
+
+"I! did you ever!" replied that young gentleman. "I appeal to you,
+Digby--did you see me touch his book?"
+
+"I did not, certainly," said Frank.
+
+"Give me the book," exclaimed Reginald, jumping upon the table, "give
+me the book, and let's have no more such foolery."
+
+"Get down, Mortimer, you're not transparent," cried several voices.
+
+Reginald, however, paid no attention to the command, but pouncing upon
+Ferrers at a vantage, threw him backwards off the form, tumbling over
+his prostrate foe, and in his descent bringing down books, inkstand,
+papers, and one of the candles, in glorious confusion.
+
+"What's the row!" exclaimed Salisbury, adding an expression more
+forcible than elegant; and, starting from his seat, he pulled Reginald
+by main force from his adversary, with whom he was now struggling on
+the floor, and at the same instant the remaining candle was extinguished.
+Louis was almost stunned by the noise that ensued: some taking his
+brother's part, and some that of Ferrers, while, in the dark, friend
+struggled and quarrelled with friend as much as foe, no one attempting
+to quell the tumult, until the door was suddenly burst open, and Hamilton
+with Trevannion and two or three from the school-room entered. Hamilton
+stood still for a moment, astonished by the unlooked-for obscurity. His
+entrance checked the combatants, who at first imagined that one of their
+masters had made his appearance, if that could be said to appear which
+was hardly discernible in the dim light which came through the half-open
+door. Hamilton begged one of the boys with him to fetch a light, and
+taking advantage of the momentary lull, he called out, "Is this Bedlam,
+gentlemen? You ought to be ashamed of yourselves! What's the matter,
+Mortimer?"
+
+"Oh!" replied Ferrers, "they've been teasing his little brother,
+and he can't abide it."
+
+"I only mean to say, that Louis shan't be plagued in this manner,"
+cried Reginald, passionately; "and you know if the others were not
+here you wouldn't dare to do it, you bully!"
+
+"For shame, Mortimer," said Hamilton, decidedly; and coming up to
+Reginald he drew him a little aside, not without a little resistance
+on Reginald's part--"What's the matter, Mortimer?"
+
+"Matter! why that they are doing all they can to hinder Louis from
+knowing his lessons to-morrow. I won't stand it. He has borne enough
+of it, and patiently too."
+
+"But is that any reason you should forget that you are a gentleman?"
+said Hamilton.
+
+"My book is here, dear Reginald," said Louis, touching his brother's
+shoulder.
+
+Reginald darted a fierce glance at Ferrers, but not being able to
+substantiate an accusation against him, remained silent, and, under
+the eye of Hamilton and his friend Trevannion, the remainder of the
+evening passed in a way more befitting the high places in the school
+which the young gentlemen held; but Louis had been so much interrupted,
+and was so much excited and unsettled by the noise and unwonted scenes,
+that when Dr. Wilkinson came at nine to read prayers, he had hardly
+prepared one of his lessons for the next day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Louis soon made himself a universal favorite among his school-fellows;
+and, though he was pronounced by some to be a "softy," and by
+others honored by the equally comprehensive and euphonious titles
+of "spooney" and "muff," there were few who were not won by his gentle
+good-nature, and the uniform good temper, and even playfulness, with
+which he bore the immoderate quizzing that fell to his lot, as a new
+boarder arrived in the middle of the half-year. If there were an errand
+to be run among the seniors, it was, "Louis Mortimer, will you get me
+this or that?" if a dunce wanted helping, Louis was sure to be applied
+to, with the certainty in both cases that the requests would be complied
+with, though they might, as was too often the case, interfere with his
+duties; but Louis had not courage to say _no_.
+
+In proportion, however, as our hero grew in the good graces of his
+school-fellows, he fell out of those of his masters, for lessons were
+brought only half-learned, and exercises only half-written, or blotted
+and scrawled so as to be nearly unintelligible; and after he had been
+a fortnight at school, he seemed much more likely to descend to a lower
+class than to mount a step in his own. Day after day saw Louis kept in
+the school-room during play-hours, to learn lessons which ought to have
+been done the night before, or to write out some long imposition as a
+punishment for some neglected duty that had given place to the desire
+of assisting another.
+
+Louis always seemed in a hurry, and never did any thing well. His mind
+was unsettled, and, like every thing else belonging to him at present,
+in a state of undesirable confusion.
+
+There was one resource which Louis had which would have set all to
+rights, but his weakness of disposition often prevented him from taking
+advantage of even the short intervals for prayer allowed by the rules
+of the school, and he was often urged at night into telling stories
+till he dropped asleep, and hurried down by the morning bell, before
+he could summon up courage to brave the remarks of his school-fellows
+as to his being so very _religious_, &c., and sometimes did not feel
+sorry that there was some cause to prevent these solemn and precious
+duties. I need not say he was not happy. He enjoyed nothing thoroughly;
+he felt he was not steadily in earnest. Every day he came with a
+beating heart to his class, never certain that he could get through
+a single lesson.
+
+One morning he was endeavoring to stammer through a few lines of some
+Greek play, and at last paused, unable to proceed.
+
+"Well, sir," said his master quietly,--"as usual, I suppose--I shall
+give you only a few days' longer trial, and then, if you cannot do
+better, you must go down."
+
+"Who is that, Mr. Danby?" said a voice behind Louis, that startled him,
+and turning his blanched face round, he saw Dr. Wilkinson standing near.
+"Who is that, Mr. Danby?" he repeated, in a deep stern voice.
+
+"Louis Mortimer, sir," replied Mr. Danby. "Either he is totally unfit
+for this class, or he is very idle; I can make nothing of him."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson fixed his eyes searchingly on Louis, and replied, in a
+tone of much displeasure:
+
+"If you have the same fault to find the next two days, send him into a
+lower class. It is the most disgraceful idleness, Louis."
+
+Louis' heart swelled with sorrow and shame as the doctor walked away.
+He stood with downcast eyes and quivering lids, hardly able to restrain
+his tears, until the class was dismissed, and he was desired to stay in
+and learn his unsaid lesson.
+
+Reginald followed his brother into the study, where Louis took his books
+to learn more quietly than he could do in the school-room.
+
+"My dear Louis," he said, "you must try; the doctor will be so displeased
+if you go into a lower class; and just think what a disgrace it will be."
+
+"I know," said Louis, wiping his eyes: "I can't tell how it is, every
+thing seems to go wrong with me--I am not at all happy, and I am sure
+I wish to please everybody."
+
+"A great deal too much, dear Louis," said Reginald. "You are always
+teaching everybody else, and you know you have scarcely any time
+for yourself. You must tell them you _won't_ do it; I can't be always
+at your elbow; I've quarrelled more with the boys than ever I did,
+since you came, on your account."
+
+"Oh dear! I am sorry I came," sighed Louis, "I do so long to be a little
+quiet. Reginald, dear, I am so sorry I should give you any trouble. Oh,
+I have lost all my happy thoughts, and I know every thing is sure to
+go wrong."
+
+Louis remained sadly silent for a few minutes, and then, raising his
+tearful eyes to his brother, who was sitting with his chin on his hands,
+watching him, he begged him to leave him, declaring he should not learn
+any thing while Reginald was with him.
+
+Thus urged, Reginald took his departure, though, with his customary
+unselfish affection, he would rather have stayed and helped him.
+
+When he was gone, Louis began slowly to turn over the leaves of his
+Lexicon, in order to prepare his lesson. He had not been long thus
+employed, when he was interrupted by the irruption of the greatest
+dunce in the school, introduced to the reader in the former chapter
+as Churchill, _alias_ Oars, a youth of fifteen, who had constant
+recourse to Louis for information. He now laid his dog's-eared
+Eutropius before Louis, and opened his business with his usual
+"Come now, tell us, Louis--help us a bit, Louis."
+
+"Indeed, Harry, it is impossible," said Louis sorrowfully. "I have all
+my own to do, and if I do not get done before dinner I shall go into the
+third class--no one helps me, you know."
+
+"It won't take you a minute," said Churchill.
+
+"It does take much more. You know I was an hour last night writing your
+theme; and, Churchill, I do not think it is right."
+
+"Oh stuff! who's been putting that nonsense into your head?" replied
+Churchill. "It's all right and good, and like your own self, you're
+such a good-natured fellow."
+
+"And a very foolish one, sometimes," said Louis. "Can't you get somebody
+else to show you?"
+
+"Goodness gracious!" cried Churchill, "who do you think would do it
+now? and no one does it so well as you. Come, I say--come now--that's
+a good fellow,--now do."
+
+"But how is it that you want to learn your lesson now," asked Louis?
+"Won't the evening do?"
+
+"No; Dr. Wilkinson has given me leave to go out with my uncle this
+afternoon, if I learn this and say it to old Norton before I go; and
+I am sure I shan't get it done if you don't help me."
+
+"I cannot," said poor Louis.
+
+"Now I know you're too good-natured to let me lose this afternoon's fun.
+Come, you might have told me half."
+
+And against his better judgment, Louis spent half an hour in hearing
+this idle youth a lesson, which, with a little extra trouble he might
+easily have mastered himself in three quarters of an hour.
+
+"Thank you, Louis, you're a capital fellow; I know it now, don't I?"
+
+"I think so," replied Louis; "and now you must not talk to me."
+
+"What are you doing?" said Churchill, looking at his book; "oh,
+'Kenrick's Greek Exercises.' If I can't tell you, I can help you
+to something that will. Here's a key." As he spoke, he took down
+the identical book taken from Harrison on the day of Louis' arrival,
+and threw it on the table before him.
+
+"Is that a key?" asked Louis, opening the book; "put it back, Harry,
+I cannot use it."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"It would not be right. Oh no! I will not, Churchill; put it up."
+
+"How precise you are!" said Churchill; "it's quite a common thing for
+those who can get them--Thompson and Harcourt always use one."
+
+"Thompson ought to be ashamed of himself," cried Louis, "to be trying
+for a prize, and use a key."
+
+"Well, so he ought, but you won't get a prize if you begin now, and
+try till breaking-up day; so you hurt nobody, and get yourself out of
+a scrape. Don't be a donkey, Louis."
+
+When Churchill left him alone Louis looked at the title-page, and
+felt for an instant strongly tempted to avail himself of the assistance
+of the book; but something checked him, and he laid his arms suddenly
+on the table, and buried his face on them. A heavy hand laid on his
+shoulder roused him from this attitude; and looking up, with his eyes
+full of tears, he found Hamilton and Trevannion standing beside him.
+
+"What's the matter, Louis?" said the former.
+
+"I have so much to do;--I--I've been very careless and idle,"
+stammered Louis.
+
+"I can readily believe that," said Hamilton.
+
+"A candid confession, at any rate," remarked Trevannion.
+
+"And do you imagine that your brains will be edified by coming in
+contact with these books?" asked Hamilton. "What have you to do?"
+
+"I have this exercise to re-write, and my Greek to
+learn,--and--and--twenty lines of Homer to write out.
+I can't do all now--I shall have to stay in this afternoon."
+
+"I should think that more than probable," said Trevannion.
+
+"What have we here?" said Hamilton, taking up the key. "Hey! what!
+Louis! Is this the way you are going to cheat your masters?"
+
+"Pray don't think it?" said Louis, eagerly.
+
+"If you use keys, I have done with you."
+
+"Indeed I did not,--I never do,--I wasn't going. One of the boys left it
+here. I am sure I did not mean to do so," cried Louis in great confusion.
+
+"Put it back," said Hamilton, gravely, "and then I will go over your
+lessons with you, and see if I can make you understand them better."
+
+"Thank you, thank you,--how kind you are!" said poor Louis, who hastily
+put the dangerous book away, and then sat down.
+
+Hamilton smiled, and remarked, "It is but fair that one should be
+assisted who loses his character in playing knight errant for all
+those who need, or fancy they need, his good services: but, Louis,
+you are very wrong to give up so much of your time to others; your
+time does not belong to yourself; your father did not send you here
+to assist Dr. Wilkinson--or, rather, I should say, to save a set of
+idle boys the trouble of doing their own work. There is a vast
+difference between weakness and good-nature; but now to business."
+
+Trevannion withdrew with a book to the window, and Hamilton sat down by
+Louis, and took great pains to make him give his mind to his business;
+and so thoroughly did he succeed with his docile pupil, that, although
+he had come in rather late, all, with the exception of the imposition,
+was ready for Mr. Danby by the time the dinner-bell rang.
+
+Louis overwhelmed Hamilton with the expression of his gratitude, and
+again and again laid his little hand on that of his self-instituted
+tutor. Hamilton did not withdraw his hand, though he never returned
+the pressure, nor made any reply to Louis' thanks, further than an
+abrupt admonition from time to time to "mind what he was about,"
+and to "go on."
+
+Several inquiries were made at the open window after Louis, but all were
+answered by Trevannion, and our hero was left undisturbed to his studies.
+
+That evening Louis had the satisfaction of being seated near his friend
+Hamilton, who, with a good-natured air of authority, kept him steadily
+at work until his business was properly concluded. Unhappily for Louis,
+Hamilton was not unfrequently with the doctor in the evenings, or he
+might generally have relied on his protection and assistance: however,
+for the next two or three days, Louis steadily resisted all allurements
+to leave his own lesson until learned; and, in consequence, was able to
+report to Hamilton the desirable circumstance of his having gained two
+places in his class.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+For some time before Louis' arrival at Ashfield House, preparations
+had been making in the doctor's domestic _menage_ for the approaching
+marriage of Miss Wilkinson, the doctor's only daughter. The young
+gentlemen had, likewise, their preparations for the auspicious event,
+the result of which was a Latin Epithalamium, composed by the seniors,
+and three magnificent triumphal arches, erected on the way from the
+house-door to the gate of the grounds. Much was the day talked of,
+and eagerly were plans laid, both by masters and pupils, for the proper
+enjoyment of the whole holiday that had been promised on the occasion,
+and which, by the way--whatever young gentlemen generally may think of
+their masters' extreme partiality for teaching--was now a greater boon
+to the wearied and over-fagged ushers, than to the party for whose
+enjoyment it was principally designed.
+
+The bridal day came.--No need to descant on the weather. The sun shone
+as brightly as could be desired, and as the interesting procession passed
+under the green bowers, cheer after cheer rose on the air, handfuls of
+flowers were trodden under the horses' feet, and hats, by common consent,
+performed various somersaults some yards above their owners' heads.
+
+There was a long watch till the carriages returned, and the same scene
+was enacted and repeated, when the single vehicle rolled away from the
+door; and the last mark of honor having been paid, the party dispersed
+over the large playground, each one in search of his own amusement. Louis
+wandered away by himself, and enjoyed a quiet hour unmolested, and tried,
+with the help of his little hymn-book, and thinking over old times, to
+bring back some of his former happy thoughts. There were more than
+ordinary temptations around him, and he felt less able to resist them;
+and this little rest from noise and hurry was to him very grateful.
+When, at length, a little party found out his retreat and begged him
+to join in a game of "hocky," he complied with a light and merry heart,
+freer from that restless anxiety to which he had been lately so much
+subject.
+
+In the afternoon, determining to let nothing interfere with the learning
+of his lessons, Louis sat down in the school-room to business. There were
+but two persons besides himself in the room, one of whom was an usher,
+who was writing a letter, and the other, his school-fellow Ferrers. The
+latter was sitting on the opposite side of the same range of desks Louis
+had chosen, very intently engaged in the same work which had brought
+Louis there.
+
+Louis felt very happy in the consciousness that he was foregoing
+the pleasure of the merry playground for the stern business that his
+duty had imposed on him; and the noise of his companions' voices,
+and the soft breezes that came in through the open door leading into
+the playground, only spurred him on to finish his work as quickly
+as possible.
+
+Ferrers and his younger _vis-a-vis_ pursued their work in silence,
+apparently unconscious of the presence of each other, until the
+former, raising his head, asked Louis to fetch him an atlas out
+of the study.
+
+"With pleasure," said Louis, jumping up and running into the study;
+he returned almost immediately with a large atlas, and laid it down
+on Ferrers' books. He had once more given his close attention to his
+difficult exercises, when a movement from his companion attracted
+his notice.
+
+"Did you speak?" he said.
+
+"Will you--oh, never mind, I'll do it myself," muttered Ferrers,
+rising and going into the class-room himself.
+
+Louis had become again so intent upon his study, that he was hardly
+aware of the return of his school-fellow, nor did he notice the
+precipitation with which he hurried into his place, and half hid
+the book he had brought with him, a book that he imagined to be a
+key to his exercises, but which, in fact, was a counterpart to that
+taken away from Harrison, though bound exactly like the one Ferrers
+had gone for, and so nearly the same size as easily to be mistaken
+for it in the confusion attendant on the abstraction of it.
+
+Just at this moment, Hamilton, Trevannion, and Salisbury, with one or
+two more of the first class, entered from the playground, and walked
+directly across to Ferrers.
+
+Alive to all the disgrace of being found by his class-fellows in
+possession of a key, and unable to return it unobserved, Ferrers,
+in the first moment of alarm, tried to push it into the desk at
+which he was writing, but finding it locked, he stood up with as
+much self-possession as he could assume, and pretending to be
+looking among his books and papers, managed, unobserved, to pass
+the obnoxious volume over to Louis' heap of books, laying it half
+under one of them. Louis was wholly unconscious of the danger so
+near him, and did not raise his held from his absorbing occupation
+when the fresh comers approached the desk.
+
+"Ferrers," said Salisbury, as they came up, "we want your advice on
+a small matter; come with us into the class-room."
+
+Accordingly Ferrers obeyed, glad to leave the dangerous spot, and Louis
+was left in undisturbed possession of the apartment for more than half
+an hour, at the end of which time the party returned from the inner
+room laughing, and all walked out of doors. Just as they passed out,
+Mr. Witworth, the usher, approached Louis, and asked him if he could
+lend him a pencil. Louis laid his pen down, and began to search his
+pockets for a pencil he knew should be there, when he was startled by
+the ejaculation of the master:
+
+"Hey!--what!--This is it, is it? So I have found you out, sir."
+
+Louis looked up in alarm. "Found me out, sir?" he said, in a terrified
+tone: "what have I done?"
+
+"Done!" exclaimed Mr. Witworth,--"done, indeed: what are you doing there?"
+
+"My exercise, sir."
+
+"To be sure, to be sure. What's the meaning of this, sir?" and he held
+up the key. "What have you done, indeed!--you hoped that it was nicely
+concealed, I dare say. I wonder how you can be so artful."
+
+"I am sure I don't know any thing about that book," said Louis,
+in great agitation.
+
+"Admirably acted," said Mr. Witworth. "It wouldn't walk here, however,
+Master Mortimer: some one must have brought it."
+
+"I am sure I don't know who did--I don't indeed," said poor Louis,
+despairingly.
+
+"Perhaps you'll try to make me believe you don't know what it is,
+and that you never saw the book before," remarked Mr. Witworth,
+scornfully.
+
+"I do know what it is, but I never used it, I do assure you, sir,
+and I did not bring it here. Will you not believe me?"
+
+"It is very likely that I should believe you, is it not? Well, sir,
+this book goes up with you to-morrow to Dr. Wilkinson, and we shall
+see how much he will believe of your story. This accounts for your
+apparent industry lately." So saying, Mr. Witworth walked off with
+the book in his hand, leaving Louis in the greatest distress.
+
+"And all my pains are quite lost!" he exclaimed, as he burst into tears.
+"The doctor is sure not to believe me, and there will be--oh, who could
+have left it there?"
+
+"Louis, are you coming out this afternoon; what's the matter?"
+exclaimed the welcome voice of his brother.
+
+"What, Lady Louisa in tears! Here's the ink bottle; do let me catch the
+crystal drops," said Frank Digby, who accompanied Reginald in search of
+his brother.
+
+"Oh, Reginald!" exclaimed Louis, regardless of Frank's nonsense, "some
+one has left a key to my exercises on my books, and Mr. Witworth has
+just found it. What shall I do?"
+
+"_Some one has left_," ejaculated Frank. "That's a good story, Louis;
+only one can't quite swallow it, you know. Who would leave it, eh?"
+
+"How? where, Louis?" said Reginald.
+
+"It was just here it was found. I am sure I cannot think who put
+it there."
+
+"Well of all the"--began Frank; "my astonishment positively chokes me.
+Louis, are you not ashamed of yourself?"
+
+"Oh, Frank! I am speaking the truth; I am, indeed, I am--Reginald,
+I am, you know I am."
+
+"It is very strange," remarked Reginald, who was standing with a
+clouded, unsatisfied brow, and did not exhibit that enthusiasm
+respecting his innocence which Louis expected from him. Reginald
+knew too much, and dared not yet be certain when appearances were
+so sadly against him.
+
+"Reginald, dear Reginald, tell me," cried Louis, almost frantically;
+"surely you believe me?"
+
+"Believe you!" echoed Frank, scornfully; "he knows you too well,
+and so do I. Remember last year, Louis: you'd better have thought
+of it sooner."
+
+Reginald cast a threatening glance on his cousin, who undauntedly
+replied to it.
+
+"You can't gainsay that, at any rate, Reginald."
+
+"Reginald, dear Reginald," cried Louis, with streaming eyes, "you know
+I always spoke the truth to you; I declare solemnly that I am speaking
+only the truth now."
+
+Reginald looked gloomily at his brother.
+
+"Indeed it is. If you will not believe me, who will?"
+
+"Who, indeed?" said Frank.
+
+"I do believe you, Louis," said Reginald, quickly, "I do believe you;
+but this matter must be sifted. It is very strange, but I will make all
+the inquiries I can. Who sat with you?"
+
+"Ferrers was sitting there," replied Louis.
+
+"Any one else?"
+
+"No," replied Louis.
+
+"I'll answer for it, it was Ferrers," said Reginald.
+
+"A likely story," said Frank.
+
+"I think it very likely," said Reginald, firmly, "and woe be to him
+if he has."
+
+As he finished speaking, Reginald ran off in search of Ferrers,
+whom he found in a group of the head boys, into the midst of which
+he burst without the smallest ceremony.
+
+"Manners!" exclaimed Hamilton; "I beg your pardon, Mr. Mortimer,
+for standing in your way."
+
+"I am very sorry," said Reginald, bluntly, "but I can't stand
+upon ceremony. Ferrers, what have you been doing with Kenrick's
+Exercises--I mean the key to it?"
+
+"I!" cried Ferrers, reddening violently; "what--what do you mean,
+Mortimer?"
+
+"You have left the key on Louis' desk, to get him into a scrape--you
+know you have."
+
+"Upon my word, Mortimer! what next!" exclaimed Salisbury. "Who do you
+think would fash themselves about such a little hop-o'-my-thumb?"
+
+"Will you let Ferrers answer!" cried Reginald, imperiously.
+
+Unconscious of the mistake he had made, Ferrers felt exceedingly
+uncomfortable in his present position, and, assuming an air of
+contemptuous indignation, he turned his back on Reginald, saying
+as he did so, "Such impertinence merits nothing but silent contempt."
+
+"You did it, you coward!" cried Reginald, enraged almost beyond control.
+"I know you did, and _you_ know you did. Will you answer me?"
+
+"Answer him, Ferrers, answer him at once, and let us have an end of his
+impertinence," cried several voices: "he's like a wild-cat."
+
+"Well then, I did not," said Ferrers, turning round with a violent
+effort; "will that satisfy you?"
+
+Reginald glared angrily and doubtfully on the changing countenance of
+the speaker, and then burst out vehemently,
+
+"I don't believe a word you say: you did it either to spite him,
+or you mistook your aim. Do you never use keys, Mr. Ferrers?"
+
+"Really, Mortimer!" exclaimed Trevannion, "your language is very
+intemperate and ungentlemanly. I have no doubt your brother knows
+how to help himself; and now, for your comfort, know that I saw him
+the other day with that same book, and here is Hamilton, who can
+corroborate my statement."
+
+"Where? when?" asked Reginald, in a subdued tone.
+
+"In the class-room alone, when he was writing his exercise. Hamilton,
+am I not right?"
+
+Hamilton nodded.
+
+"Dr. Wilkinson will do justice to-morrow," said Reginald, as after
+a moment's painful silence he looked up with assumed confidence,
+and turned proudly away from Ferrers' reassured look of exultation,
+though the latter hardly dared exult, for he thought Reginald had
+mistaken the book, and feared the suspicions that might rest on
+himself when it should be discovered that it was not a second-class
+key. "And now, Mortimer, let's have no more of this violent language,"
+said Hamilton. "If the matter is to come before the doctor, he will
+do all justice; let him be sole arbitrator; but I would not bring it
+before him were I in your place. Make an apology to Ferrers, and say
+nothing more. You will do your brother more harm than good."
+
+"_Make an apology_," said Reginald, ironically; "I haven't changed
+my mind yet. It must come before the doctor. Mr. Witworth found the
+book, and has carried it by this time, or certainly will carry it,
+to head-quarters."
+
+"Come along with me, and tell me the whole affair," said Hamilton.
+
+While Reginald was unfolding the matter to Hamilton, the party they had
+left was reinforced by Frank Digby, who warmly took Ferrers' part, and
+enlightened the company as to many particulars of his cousin's former
+character: and so much was said about the injury Reginald had done to
+Ferrers by his suspicions, that when that youth discovered the certainty
+of the mistake he had made, he was so far involved as to render it
+impossible to him to acknowledge that even out of a spirit of teasing
+he had placed the book near Louis; and his anxiety was so great to free
+himself from any suspicion, that he was selfishly and ungenerously
+insensible to the trouble entailed upon Louis, whom he disliked on
+account of his superiority to himself, but on whom he had not seriously
+contemplated inflicting so great an injury--so imperceptibly does one
+fault lead to another, so unable are we to decide where the effects of
+one false step, one dishonest thought, shall end.
+
+The story was soon spread among Louis' immediate companions, who were
+anxious to learn the cause of his swollen eyes and sad demeanor, and
+Louis had to endure many sneers, and, what was still harder to bear,
+much silent contempt from those whose high sense of honor made them
+despise any approach to the meanness of which he was supposed guilty.
+Hamilton, though in the study the whole evening, took no notice of him,
+and when his eyes met Louis', they bore no more consciousness of his
+presence than if he had been a piece of stone. Frank Digby did not
+tease Louis, but he let fall many insinuations, and a few remarks so
+bitter in their sarcasm, that Reginald more than once looked up with
+a glance so threatening in its fierceness, that it checked even that
+audacious speaker. Even little Alfred was not allowed to sit with Louis;
+though Hamilton made no remark, nor even alluded to the subject to his
+brother, he called him immediately to himself, and only allowed him to
+leave him at bed-time.
+
+As the elder boys went up stairs to bed, Frank continued his aggravating
+allusions to Louis' weakness, but in so covert a manner, that no one but
+those acquainted with Louis' former history could have understood their
+import. For some time Reginald pretended not to hear them; there was a
+strong struggle within him, for his high spirit rose indignantly at his
+cousin's unkindness, yet was for some time checked by a better feeling
+within; but, at length, on Frank's making some peculiarly insulting
+remark in a low tone, his pent-up ire boiled forth, and, in the madness
+of his fury, he seized on his cousin with a strength that passion
+rendered irresistible. "You've tried to provoke me to this all the
+evening--you _will_ have it, you dastardly coward! you WILL have
+it, will you?"
+
+These exclamations were poured forth in a shout, and Reginald, after
+striking his cousin several violent blows, threw him from him with such
+force that his head struck against the door-post, and he fell motionless
+to the ground, the blood streaming from a wound in his forehead.
+
+There was an awful silence for a minute. The boys, horror-struck, stood
+as if paralyzed, gazing on the inanimate form of their school-fellow.
+Reginald's passion subsided in an instant; his face turned pale, the
+color fled from his lips, and clasping his hands in terror, he muttered,
+"Oh! what have I done!" and then there was a shout, "Oh, Frank Digby's
+killed! Digby's killed--he's dead!"
+
+Hamilton at length pushed forward and raised Frank's head. And at this
+moment Mr. Norton and Dr. Wilkinson, with two or three of the servants,
+came from different directions. The crowd round Frank made way for the
+doctor, who hurriedly approached, and assisted Hamilton to raise Frank
+and carry him to his bed.
+
+"He's dead, he's dead!" cried the boys all round.
+
+"How did this happen?" asked the doctor, and without waiting for an
+answer he tore open the handkerchief and collar of the insensible youth,
+and dispatched some one immediately for a medical man. One was sent for
+a smelling-bottle, another for some water, and Mrs. Wilkinson soon made
+her appearance with a fan, and other apparatus for restoring a fainting
+person. But it was long before there were any signs of returning life.
+It was a terrible time for Reginald. It was agony to look on the
+motionless form, and blood-streaked countenance before him--to watch
+the cloud of anxiety that seemed to deepen on his master's face as
+each new restorative failed its accustomed virtue,--to listen to the
+subdued murmurs and fearful whispers, and to note the blanched faces
+of his school-fellows. He stood with clasped hands, and there was a
+prayer in his heart that he might not be called to suffer so very
+deeply for this sinful expression of his temper. What if he should
+have sent his cousin unprepared into eternity? Oh, what would he
+give to see one motion; what, that he had been able to restrain his
+ungovernable fury! There was almost despair in his wild thoughts, when
+at last Frank sighed faintly, and then opened his eyes. He closed them
+immediately, and just then the surgeon arriving, more potent remedies
+were used, and he was at length restored to consciousness, though
+unable to speak aloud. Doctor Wilkinson had him removed to another
+room, and after seeing him comfortably arranged, returned to Reginald's
+bedroom.
+
+"Now, how did this happen?" he said.
+
+No one spoke, and the silence was only broken by the sound of sobs from
+the further end of the room.
+
+"Who did this?" asked the doctor again.
+
+"I did, sir," said Reginald, in a broken voice.
+
+"Come forward. Who is it that speaks?" said Doctor Wilkinson. "Mortimer!
+is this some passion of yours that has so nearly caused the death of
+your cousin? I am deeply grieved to find that your temper is still so
+ungovernable. What was the matter?"
+
+Reginald was incapable of answering, and none of his companions
+understood the quarrel; so Doctor Wilkinson left the room, determined
+to make a strict investigation the next morning.
+
+Poor Reginald was almost overwhelmed: he knelt with his brother after
+their candle was extinguished, by their bedside, and both wept bitterly,
+though quite silently. Distress at his own fault, and his brother's
+new trouble, and deep thankfulness that his cousin was alive, and not
+dangerously hurt, filled Reginald's mind, and kept him awake long after
+all besides in the room were asleep.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+The next morning, after the early school-hours, Doctor Wilkinson kept
+Reginald back as he was following the stream to breakfast, and led
+the way into the class-room, where, after closing the door, he seated
+himself, and motioning Reginald to draw closer to him, thus opened
+his inquiry.
+
+"I wish to know, Mortimer, how this affair began last night: it appears,
+from all I can make out, to have been a most unprovoked attack on your
+part, but as there is often more than appears on the surface, I shall
+be glad to hear what you have to allege in extenuation of your savage
+conduct."
+
+Reginald colored very deeply, and dropping his eyes under the piercing
+gaze of his master, remained silent.
+
+"Am I to conclude from your silence that you have no excuse to make?"
+asked the doctor in a tone of mixed sorrow and indignation; "and am I
+to believe that from some petty insult you have allowed your temper
+such uncontrolled sway as nearly to have cost your cousin his life?"
+
+"I had very great provocation," said Reginald, sullenly.
+
+"And what might that be?" asked his master. "If the wrong be on Digby's
+side, you can have no hesitation in telling me what the wrong was."
+
+Reginald made no answer, and, after a pause, Dr. Wilkinson continued:
+"Unless you can give me some reason, I must come to the conclusion
+that you have again given way to your violent passions without even
+the smallest excuse of injury from another. The assertion that you
+have been 'provoked' will not avail you much: I know that Digby is
+teasing and provoking, and is therefore very wrong, but if you cannot
+bear a little teasing, how are you to get on in the world? You are
+not a baby now, though you have acted more like a wild beast than
+a reasonable creature. I am willing and desirous to believe that
+something more than usual has been the cause of this ebullition of
+temper, for I hoped lately that you were endeavoring to overcome this
+sad propensity of yours."
+
+"I assure you, sir," said Reginald, raising his open countenance to his
+master's, "I tried very much to bear with Frank, and I think I should
+if he had not said so much about--about--"
+
+Here Reginald's voice failed; a sensation of choking anger prevented
+him from finishing his sentence.
+
+"About what?" said the doctor, steadily.
+
+"About my brother," said Reginald, abruptly.
+
+"And what did he say about your brother that chafed you so much?"
+
+Reginald changed color, and his eyes' lighted up with passion. He did
+not reply at first, but as his master seemed quietly awaiting his answer,
+he at length burst out,--
+
+"He had been going on all the afternoon about Louis: he tried to put
+me in a passion; he said all he could--every thing that was unkind and
+provoking, and it was more than a fellow could stand. I bore it as long
+as I could--"
+
+"You are giving me a proof of your gentle endurance now, I suppose,"
+said the doctor.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir, but I can't help it,--I feel so angry when I
+think of it, that I am afraid I should knock him down again if he were
+to repeat it."
+
+"For shame, sir!" said the doctor, sternly; "I should have thought that
+you had already had a lesson you would not easily have forgotten. What
+did he say of your brother that irritated you? I insist upon knowing."
+
+"He said Louis was--that Louis did not speak the truth, sir. He said
+that I believed it--that _I_ believed it"--and Reginald's passionate
+sobs choked his utterance.
+
+"Believed what?" asked the doctor.
+
+"Something that happened yesterday," said Reginald; "he said that--he
+was a hypocrite, and he went on taunting me about last summer."
+
+"_About last summer!_" repeated the doctor.
+
+"Yes, sir--about a mistake. Nobody makes allowances for Louis. I could
+have borne it all if he had not said that _I_ knew Louis was a liar. I'd
+knock any one down that I was able who should say so! Indeed," continued
+Reginald, fiercely, "I begged him to leave off, and not provoke me, but
+he would have it, and he knew what I was."
+
+"Enough--enough--hush," said Dr. Wilkinson: "I beg I may hear no more
+of knocking down. Don't add to your fault by working yourself into a
+passion with me. Some provocation you certainly have had, but nothing
+can justify such unrestrained fury. Consider what would have been your
+condition at present, if your rage had been fatal to your cousin; it
+would have availed you little to have pleaded the aggravation; your
+whole life would have been embittered by the indulgence of your vengeful
+feelings--one moment have destroyed the enjoyment of years. Thank God,
+Mortimer, that you have been spared so terrible a punishment. But you
+will always be in danger of this unless you learn to put a curb on your
+hasty temper. The same feelings which urge you into a quarrel as a boy,
+will hurry you into the duel as a man. It is a false spirit of honor and
+manliness that makes you so ready to resent every little insult. In the
+life of the only perfect Man that ever lived, our great Example and
+Master, we do not see this impatience of contradiction: 'When He was
+reviled, He reviled not again;' and if He, the Lord of all, could
+condescend to endure such contradiction of sinners against Himself,
+shall it be too much for us to bear a little with the contradiction of
+our fellow-creatures? My boy, if we do not strive to bear a little
+of the burden and heat of the day, we are not worthy to bear the noble
+name of Christians."
+
+"I am very sorry, sir," said Reginald, quite softened by the earnest
+manner of his master; "I am very sorry I have been so hasty and wrong.
+I dare not make any promises for the future, for I know I cannot
+certainly keep them, but, with God's help, I hope to remember what
+you have so kindly said to me."
+
+"With His help we may do all things," said Dr. Wilkinson; "you may by
+this help overcome the stumbling-stone of your violent passions, which
+otherwise may become an effectual barrier in the way of your attaining
+the prize of eternal life; and remember that 'he that is slow to anger
+is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that
+taketh a city.'"
+
+There was a minute's silence, which Reginald broke by asking if he
+might attend on Frank until he was well.
+
+"Can I hope that you will be gentle," said the doctor; "that you will
+remember he is in invalid--one of your making, Mortimer; and that if he
+is impatient and fretful, you are the cause?"
+
+"I will try, sir, to make amends to him," said Reginald, looking down;
+"I hope I may be able to be patient."
+
+"I will give orders that you may go to him," said the doctor; and after
+a pause, he added, "another offence of this kind I shall visit with the
+heaviest displeasure. I am in hopes that the anxiety you have undergone,
+and the present state of your cousin, may be a lesson to you; but if
+I find this ineffectual, I shall cease to consider you a reasonable
+creature, and shall treat you accordingly."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson then rose and left the room. Reginald lingered a few
+minutes to compose himself before joining his school-fellows; his heart
+was very full, and he felt an earnest desire to abide by his master's
+counsel, as well as grateful for the leniency and kindness with which
+he had been treated, which made him feel his fault much more deeply
+than the severest punishment.
+
+The breakfast time was very unpleasant for Louis that morning; he was
+full of anxiety as to the result of Mr. Witworth's discovery, and his
+sickness of heart entirely deprived him of appetite. When the meal was
+dispatched, Reginald went off to Frank, whom he found in a darkened
+room, very restless and impatient. He had passed a very bad night, and
+was suffering considerable pain. Reginald had to endure much ill-nature
+and peevishness; all of which he endeavored to bear with gentleness, and
+during the time Frank was ill, he gave up all his play-hours to wait on
+him and to amuse him as he grew better; and the exercise of patience
+which this office entailed was greatly beneficial to his hasty and
+proud spirit.
+
+Mr. Danby was in the midst of the second-class lessons that morning,
+when one of the first class brought him a little slip of paper. Mr.
+Danby glanced at the few words written thereon, and when the class
+had finished he desired Louis to go to Dr. Wilkinson. All remnant of
+color fled from Louis' cheek, though he obeyed without making any reply,
+and with a very sinking heart entered the room where the doctor was
+engaged with the first class. The keen eye of his master detected him
+the instant he made his appearance, but he took no notice of him until
+he had finished his business; then, while his pupils were putting up
+their books he turned to Louis, and pointing to a little table by his
+side, said, "_There_ is a volume, Louis Mortimer, with which I suspect
+you have some acquaintance."
+
+Louis advanced to the table, and beheld the Key to Kenrick's Greek
+Exercises.
+
+"You know it?" said the doctor.
+
+"Yes, sir, but I did not use it," said Louis.
+
+"You will not deny that it was found among your books in the
+school-room," said the doctor.
+
+"I know, sir, Mr. Witworth found it, but I assure you I did not
+put it there," replied Louis, very gently.
+
+"Have you never used it at all?" asked Dr. Wilkinson.
+
+"Never, sir," replied Louis, firmly.
+
+At this moment, he met the eye of Hamilton, who was standing near
+Dr. Wilkinson, and who looked very scornfully and incredulously at
+him as he paused to hear the result of the inquiry. Louis remembered
+that Hamilton had seen the key Churchill had left, and he hastily
+exclaimed, "I assure you, Mr. Hamilton, I did not."
+
+"What is this, Hamilton?" said Dr. Wilkinson, turning round.
+"Do you know any thing of this matter?"
+
+"I would much rather not answer," said Hamilton, abruptly,
+"if you will excuse me, sir."
+
+"I must, however, beg that you will, if you please," replied the doctor.
+
+"I really know nothing positively, I can say nothing certainly. You
+would not wish, sir, that any imagination of mine should prejudice
+you to Louis Mortimer's disadvantage; I am not able to say any thing,"
+and Hamilton turned away in some confusion, vexed that he should have
+been appealed to.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson looked half perplexed--he paused a moment and fixed his
+eyes on the table. Louis ventured to say, "Mr. Hamilton saw a book once
+before with my lesson books, but I never used it."
+
+"What do you mean by _saw a book_?" asked the doctor. "What book did
+Mr. Hamilton see? How came it there, and why was it there?"
+
+"It was 'Kenrick's Greek Exercises,' sir."
+
+"You mean the 'Key,' I suppose?"
+
+Louis answered in the affirmative.
+
+"Whose was it?" asked the doctor, with a countenance more ominous
+in its expression.
+
+"It was the one you took from Harrison, sir," replied Louis.
+
+"Humph! I thought I took it away. Bring it here." Louis obeyed,
+and the doctor having looked at it, continued, "Well, you had this
+_with your lesson books_, you say. How did it come there?"
+
+"One of the boys gave it to me, sir," replied Louis.
+
+"And why did you not put it away?"
+
+"I was going, sir;" and the color rushed into Louis' pale face. "I did
+not use it--and I hope I should not."
+
+"Who left the book?" asked Dr. Wilkinson.
+
+"Churchill, sir."
+
+"Call Churchill, Salisbury."
+
+Salisbury obeyed; and during his absence a profound silence reigned in
+the room, for all the first class were watching the proceedings in deep
+interest. Dr. Wilkinson seemed lost in thought; and Louis, in painful
+anxiety, scanned the strongly marked countenance of his master, now
+wearing its most unpleasing mask, and those of Hamilton and Trevannion,
+alternately. Hamilton did not look at him, but bent over a table at
+a book, the leaves of which he nervously turned. Trevannion eyed him
+haughtily as he leaned in his most graceful attitude against the wall
+behind the doctor's chair; and poor Louis read his condemnation in his
+eyes, as well as in the faces of most present.
+
+Salisbury at length returned with Churchill, who was the more awe-struck
+at the unwonted summons, as he was so low in the school as seldom to have
+any business with the principal.
+
+"Churchill," said the doctor, gravely, "I have sent for you to hear what
+is said of you. Now, Louis Mortimer, who gave you this book on the day
+Mr. Hamilton discovered it in your possession?"
+
+"Churchill, sir," replied Louis, in great agitation; "you did, Churchill,
+did you not? Oh! do say you did."
+
+"Hush," said the doctor. "What have you to say against this, Churchill?"
+
+"Nothing, sir--I did--I gave it to Louis Mortimer," stammered Churchill,
+looking from Louis to the doctor, and back again.
+
+"And how came you to give it to him?"
+
+Churchill did not reply until the question was repeated, when he
+reluctantly said, he had given it to Louis to assist him in his
+exercise.
+
+"Did Mortimer ask you for it?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Did he wish for it?"
+
+"No, sir, not that I know of."
+
+"You know, Harry, that I asked you to put it away--did I not?"
+cried Louis.
+
+"I don't know--yes--I think you did," said Churchill, growing very hot.
+
+"Why did you not put it away?" asked Dr. Wilkinson.
+
+"Because I thought he wanted it, please sir."
+
+"But I did not, Harry! I told you I did not," said Louis, eagerly.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson desired Louis to be silent, and continued his questions--
+
+"Did you try to persuade him to use it?"
+
+Again Churchill paused, and again confessed, most unwillingly, that
+he had done so--and received a severe reprimand for his conduct on the
+occasion, and a long task to write out which would keep him employed
+during the play-hours of that day.
+
+He was then dismissed, and Dr. Wilkinson again addressed himself to
+Louis: "I am glad to find that part of your story is correct; but I
+now wish you to explain how my key found its way into the school-room
+yesterday, when discovered by Mr. Witworth. The book must have been
+deliberately taken out of this room into the school-room. You appear
+to have been alone, or nearly so, in the school-room the greater part
+of yesterday afternoon, and Mr. Witworth found the book half concealed
+by your lesson books while you were writing your exercises."
+
+"I assure you, sir, I did not take it," said Louis.
+
+"Unhappily," replied Dr. Wilkinson, "I cannot take a mere assurance
+in the present instance. Had not the case been so palpable, I should
+have been bound to believe you until I had had reason to mistrust your
+word--but with these facts I _cannot_, Louis;" and he added, in a very
+low tone, so as to be heard only by Louis, who was much nearer to him
+than the others, "Your honor has not always been sacred--beware."
+
+His school-fellows wondered what made the red flush mount so furiously
+in Louis' forehead, and the tears spring to his eyes. The painful feelings
+called forth by his master's speech prevented him from speaking for a few
+minutes. He was roused by Dr. Wilkinson saying--
+
+"The discovery of this Key in your possession would involve your
+immediate dismissal from the second class, a sufficient disgrace, but
+the matter assumes a far more serious aspect from these assertions of
+innocence. If you had not used the book when discovered, it must have
+been taken either by you, or another, for use. The question is now,
+who took it?"
+
+"I did not, sir," said Louis, in great alarm.
+
+"Who did, then? Were any of your class with you?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Was any one with you?"
+
+Louis paused. A sudden thought flashed across him--a sudden recollection
+of seeing that book passed over and slipped among his books; an action he
+had taken no notice of at the time, and which had never struck him till
+this moment. He now glanced eagerly at Ferrers, and then, in a tremulous
+voice, said, "I remember now, Ferrers put it there--I am almost sure."
+
+"Ferrers!" exclaimed the young men, with one voice.
+
+"What humbugging nonsense!" said Salisbury, in a low tone.
+
+"Do you hear, Mr. Ferrers?" said the doctor: "how came you to put that
+Key among Louis Mortimer's books?"
+
+"I, sir--I never," stammered Ferrers. "What should I want with it?
+What good could I get by it? Is it likely?"
+
+"I am not arguing on the possibility of such an event, I simply wish
+to know if you did it?" said the doctor.
+
+"I, sir--no," exclaimed Ferrers, with an air of injured innocence.
+"If I had done it, why did he not accuse me at once, instead of
+remembering it all of a sudden?"
+
+"Because I only just remembered that I saw you moving something
+towards me, and I am _almost_ sure it was that book now--I think
+so," replied Louis.
+
+"You'd better be quite sure," said Ferrers.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson looked from one to the other, and his look might have made
+a less unprincipled youth fear to persist in so horrible a falsehood.
+
+"Were you learning your lessons in the school-room yesterday afternoon,
+Mr. Ferrers, at the same time with Louis Mortimer?" Ferrers acknowledging
+this, Dr. Wilkinson sent for Mr. Witworth, and asked him if he had
+observed either Ferrers or Louis go into the study during the afternoon,
+and if he knew what each brought out with him. Mr. Witworth replied that
+both went in, but he did not know what for.
+
+"I went in to get an atlas for Ferrers," cried Louis, in great agitation.
+
+"I got the atlas myself, Mortimer, you know," said Ferrers.
+
+Louis was quite overcome. He covered his face with his hands, and burst
+into tears.
+
+"This is a sad business," said Dr. Wilkinson, very gravely; "much
+worse than I expected--one of you must be giving utterance to the
+most frightful untruths. Which of you is it?"
+
+"What would Ferrers want with the Key to The Greek Exercises sir?"
+suggested Trevannion, "unless he wished to do an ill turn to Mortimer,
+which you cannot suppose."
+
+"I have hitherto trusted Mr. Ferrers," replied Dr. Wilkinson; "and
+am not disposed to withdraw that confidence without sufficient cause.
+Mr. Ferrers, on your word of honor, am I to believe your statement?"
+
+Ferrers turned pale, but the doctor's steady gaze was upon him, and all
+his class-fellows awaited his reply--visions of disgrace, contempt, and
+scorn were before him, and there was no restraining power from within to
+check him, as he hastily replied, "On my word of honor, sir."
+
+"I must believe you, then, as I can imagine no motive which could
+induce you to act dishonorably by this boy, were I to discover that
+any one in my school had acted so, his immediate expulsion should be
+the consequence."
+
+The dead silence that followed the doctor's words struck coldly on the
+heart of the guilty coward.
+
+"Now, Louis Mortimer," said the doctor, sternly, "I wish to give you
+another chance of confessing your fault."
+
+Louis' thick convulsive sobs only replied to this. After waiting a
+few minutes, Dr. Wilkinson said, "Go now to the little study joining
+my dining-room, and wait there till I come: I shall give you half an
+hour to consider."
+
+Louis left the room, and repaired to the study, where he threw himself
+on a chair in a paroxysm of grief, which, for the first quarter of an
+hour, admitted of no alleviation: "He had no character. The doctor had
+heard all before. All believed him guilty--and how _could_ Ferrers act
+so? How could it ever be found out? And, oh! his dear father and mother,
+and his grandfather, would believe it."
+
+By degrees the violence of his distress subsided, and he sent up his
+tearful petitions to his heavenly Father, till his overloaded heart
+felt lightened of some of its sorrow. As he grew calmer, remembrances
+of old faults came before him, and he thought of a similar sin of his
+own, and how nearly an innocent person had suffered for it--and this
+he felt was much easier to bear than the consciousness of having
+committed the fault himself; and he remembered the sweet verses in
+the first Epistle of St. Peter: "What glory is it if, when ye be
+buffeted for your faults, ye take it patiently; but if when ye do well
+and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.
+For even hereunto ye were called, because Christ also suffered for us,
+leaving us an example that we should follow His steps: who did no sin,
+neither was guile found in His mouth; who, when He was reviled, reviled
+not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself
+to Him that judgeth righteously,"--and the feeling of indignation
+against Ferrers was gradually changed into almost pity for him, for
+Louis knew by experience the pain of a loaded conscience. While his
+thoughts thus ran over the past and present, he heard the firm step
+of Dr. Wilkinson crossing the hall, and nearly at the same moment that
+gentleman entered the room. There was no pity in his countenance--the
+dark lines in his face seemed fixed in their most iron mould; and
+briefly announcing to his trembling pupil that the time allowed him
+for consideration had expired, he asked whether he were prepared to
+acknowledge his fault. Louis meekly persisted in his denial, which
+had only the effect of making the doctor consider him a more hardened
+offender; and after a few words, expressing the strongest reprehension
+of his wickedness and cowardice, he gave him severe caning, and sent
+him immediately to bed, although it was but the middle of the day.
+In spite of the better feelings which urged poor Louis to acknowledge
+the justice, under the circumstances, of his master's proceedings, he
+could not help thinking that he had been very hardly treated. He hurried
+up stairs, glad to indulge his grief in silence. How many times, in the
+affliction of the next few hours, did he repeat a little hymn he had
+learned at home:
+
+    "Thy lambs, dear Shepherd, that are weak,
+        Are thy peculiar care;
+    'Tis Thine in judgment to afflict,
+        And Thine in love to spare.
+
+    "Though young in years, yet, oh! how oft
+        Have I a rebel been;
+    My punishment, O Lord, is mild,
+        Nor equals all my sin.
+
+    "Since all the chastisements I feel
+        Are from Thy love alone,
+    Let not one murmuring thought arise,
+        But may Thy will be done.
+
+    "Then let me blush with holy shame,
+        And mourn before my Lord,
+    That I have lived to Thee no more,
+        No more obeyed Thy word."
+
+                      --"Hymns for Sunday-Schools"
+
+At last he fell asleep, and oh! to wake; from that sleep! It was surely
+good to be afflicted, and in the happiness of his mind Louis forgot his
+trouble. But he had yet to endure much more, and the bitterest part of
+his punishment came the next morning, when, according to his master's
+orders, he repaired to the study with his books. He had been desired to
+remain in this room out of school-hours, and was forbidden to speak
+to any of his school-fellows without leave. While he was sitting
+there the first morning after the inquiry related in this chapter,
+Dr. Wilkinson entered with a letter, and sat down at the table where
+Louis was reading. As he opened his desk, he said, "I have a painful
+task to perform. This is a letter from your father, Louis Mortimer,
+and he particularly requests that I should give him an account of
+your conduct and your brother's; you know what an account I can give
+of you both."
+
+Louis had listened very attentively to his master's speech, and when
+it was concluded he gave way to such a burst of sorrow as quite touched
+the doctor. For some minutes he wept almost frantically, and then
+clasping his hands, he implored Dr. Wilkinson not to tell his father
+what had happened: "It will break mamma's heart, it will break mamma's
+heart, sir--do not tell my father."
+
+"Confess your fault, Louis, and I may then speak of amendment,"
+said the doctor.
+
+"I cannot, indeed--indeed I cannot. It will all come out by and bye:
+you will see, sir--oh! you will see, sir," sobbed Louis, deprecating
+the gathering of the angry cloud on the doctor's face. "Oh! do not
+tell mamma, for it is not true."
+
+"I do not wish to hear any more, sir," said the doctor, sternly.
+
+"Oh! what shall I do--what shall I do!" cried Louis; and he pushed
+his chair quickly from the table, and, throwing himself on his knees
+by Dr. Wilkinson, seized the hand that was beginning to date the
+dreaded letter--"I assure you I did not, sir--I am speaking the truth."
+
+"As you always do, doubtless," said the doctor, drawing his hand
+roughly away. "Get up, sir; kneel to Him you have so deeply offended,
+but not to me."
+
+Louis rose, but stood still in the same place. "Will you hear only this
+one thing, sir? I will not say any thing more about my innocence--just
+hear me, if you please, sir."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson turned his head coldly towards him.
+
+Louis dried his tears, and spoke with tolerable calmness: "I have
+one thing to ask, sir--will you allow me still to remain in the
+second class, and to do my lessons always in this room? You will
+then see if I can do without keys, or having any help."
+
+"I know you can if you choose," replied Dr. Wilkinson, coldly,
+"or I should not have placed you in that class."
+
+"But, if you please, sir, I know all,"--Louis paused, he had promised
+to say no more on that subject.
+
+There was a little silence, during which Dr. Wilkinson looked earnestly
+at Louis. At last he said, "You may stay in the class; but, remember,
+you are forbidden to speak to any of your school-fellows for the next
+week without express permission."
+
+"Not to my brother, sir?"
+
+"No; now go."
+
+"May I write to mamma?"
+
+"Yes, if you wish it."
+
+After timidly thanking the doctor, Louis returned to his seat, and
+Dr. Wilkinson continued his letter, which went off by the same post
+that took Louis' to his mother.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+  "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous,
+  but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the
+  peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are
+  exercised thereby."--Heb. xii. 11.
+
+  "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have
+  I kept Thy word."--Psalm cxix. 67.
+
+
+Perhaps there is no state more dangerous to a Christian's peace of
+mind than one of continual prosperity. In adversity even the worldly
+man will sometimes talk of resignation, and feel that it is a good
+thing to be acquainted and at peace with God, and that when all human
+help is cut off, it is a sweet thing to have a sure refuge in an
+almighty Saviour. But in prosperity the ungodly never look to Him;
+and His own children, carrying about with them a sinful nature, against
+which they must continually maintain a warfare, are too apt to forget
+the Giver in his gifts, and to imagine that all is well because nothing
+occurs to disturb the regularity of their blessings.
+
+Our little Louis, though the trial he now underwent was a bitter one,
+and though at times it seemed almost too hard to be endured, learned by
+degrees to feel that it was good for him. He had been in too high favor,
+he had trusted too much in the good word of his school-fellows, and had
+suffered the fear of man to deter him from his duty to God; and now,
+isolated and looked upon as an unworthy member of the little society
+to which he belonged, he learned to find his sole happiness in that
+sweet communion which he had now solitary leisure to enjoy. His very
+troubles carried him to a throne of grace; his desolate condition made
+him feel that there was only One who never changed nor forsook His
+people; only One who could understand and feel for the infirmities
+and sorrows of a human creature; and though to the ungodly it is a
+terror to know that there is "nothing that is not manifest in God's
+sight," to the true child of God it is an unspeakable comfort to feel
+that his thoughts and actions are "known long before" by his unwearied
+Guardian.
+
+The effects of Louis' lonely communings were soon visible in his daily
+conduct, and after his term of punishment had expired, the meekness of
+his bearing, and the gentle lowliness of his demeanor, often disarmed
+the most severe and unpitying of his youthful judges. There was no
+servility in his manner, for he neither courted nor shunned observation;
+nor, though he was as willing as ever to do a kind action for any
+one, did he allow himself to be persuaded to give up all his time to
+his idler school-fellows. There seemed more firmness and decision in his
+naturally yielding disposition, and those who knew not the power of
+assisting grace, looked and wondered at the firmness the sweet but weak
+boy could at times assume. He would have told them it was not his own.
+He was very quiet, and spoke little, even to his brother, of what was
+passing in his mind, and sometimes his thoughts were so quietly happy
+that he did not like to be spoken to. To Ferrers, Louis was as gentle
+and courteous as to the rest of his companions, and, indeed, he had now
+little other feeling towards him than that of sorrow and pity.
+
+There had been an unusual noise in the study one evening, while Louis
+was absent, and when he entered it, he found the confusion attendant on
+a grand uproar. Very little was doing, and tokens of the late skirmish
+lay about the floor in torn and scattered books, and overthrown forms.
+Among others, Ferrers was hunting for a missing book, but to discover
+it in such a chaos was a difficult task, especially as no one would
+now allow the candles to be used in the search.
+
+With many expressions, so unfitted for refined ears that I do not choose
+to present them to my reader, Ferrers continued his search, now and then
+attempting to snatch a candle from the table, in which he was regularly
+foiled by those sitting there.
+
+"Well, at least have the civility to move and let me see if it is under
+the table," he said at length.
+
+"You have hindered us long enough," said Salisbury; "Smith, Jones, and
+I have done nothing to-night. If you will have rows, you must e'en take
+the consequences."
+
+"Can't you get under the form?" asked Smith, derisively.
+
+Ferrers was going to make some angry, reply, when Louis dived between
+the table and the form, with some trouble, and, at the expense of
+receiving a few unceremonious kicks, recovered the book and gave it
+to Ferrers, who hardly thanked him, but leaning his head on his hand,
+seemed almost incapable of doing any thing. Presently he looked up,
+and asked in a tone of mingled anger and weariness, what had become
+of the inkstand he had brought.
+
+    "Loosing's seeking,
+     Finding's keeping,"
+
+said Salisbury. "Which is yours? Perhaps it's under the table too."
+
+"Hold your nonsense," cried Ferrers, angrily. "It's very shabby of you
+to hinder me in this manner."
+
+Louis quietly slipped an inkstand near him, an action of which Ferrers
+was quite aware, and though he pretended not to notice it, he availed
+himself presently of the convenience. A racking headache, however,
+almost disabled him from thinking, and though he was really unwell,
+there was only the boy he had so cruelly injured who felt any sympathy
+for his suffering.
+
+Louis carefully avoided any direct manifestation of his anxiety to
+return good for evil, for he felt, though he hardly knew why, that
+his actions would be misconstrued, but whenever any little opportunity
+occurred in which he could really render any service, he was always
+as ready to do it for Ferrers as for another; and now, when from his
+classmates Ferrers met with nothing but jokes on his "beautiful temper,"
+and "placid state of mind," he could not help feeling the gentleness of
+Louis' conduct, the absence of pleasure in his annoyance, and the look
+of evident sympathy he met whenever he accidentally turned his eyes in
+his direction. For a few days after this he was obliged to keep his bed,
+and during this time, though Louis only once saw him, he thought of every
+little kind attention he could, that might be grateful to the invalid.
+Knowing that he was not a favorite, and that few in the school would
+trouble themselves about him, he borrowed books and sent them to him for
+his amusement, and empowered the old cake man to procure some grapes,
+which he sent up to him by a servant, with strict orders to say nothing
+of where they came from. The servant met Hamilton at the door of the
+room, and he relieved her of her charge, and as she did not consider
+herself under promise of secrecy towards him, she mentioned it, desiring
+him at the same time to say nothing to Ferrers.
+
+Louis had now established a regular time for doing his own lessons,
+and kept to it with great perseverance to the end of the half-year,
+with one exception, when he had been acting prisoner in a trial
+performed in the school-room, by half his own class and the third,
+and let the evening slip by without remembering how late it grew.
+His class-fellows were in the same predicament as himself, and as
+they had barely time to write a necessary exercise, they agreed among
+themselves to learn each his own piece of the lesson they had to repeat.
+Louis did not seriously consider the deceit they were practising, and
+adopted the same plan. One of the number, not trusting to his memory,
+hit upon the singular expedient of writing the whole of his piece and
+the next on a piece of paper, and wafering it to the instep of his shoe
+when he went up to his class. Unhappily for his scheme, he was so placed
+that he dared not expose his foot so as to allow him to avail himself
+of this delectable assistance, and consequently, after much looking on
+the floor for inspiration, and much incoherent muttering, was passed
+over, and the order of things being thereby disturbed, of course no one
+could say the missing lines until the head boy was applied to, and the
+lower half of the class was turned down, with the exception of Louis,
+who, standing on this occasion just above the gentleman of shoe memory,
+had been able to say his share.
+
+As they were breaking up, Mr. Danby said to Louis, "You have been very
+industrious lately, Louis Mortimer: I am glad you have been so correct
+to-day."
+
+Louis blushed from a consciousness of undeserved praise; but though
+his natural fear of offending and losing favor sprung up directly, a
+higher principle faced it, and bearing down all obstacles, forced him
+to acknowledge his unworthiness of the present encomium.
+
+"I ought to learn mine, sir,--I learned my piece to-day."
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Mr. Danby.
+
+"I learned my part of the lesson, as well as Harris, Williams, Sutton,
+and Charles Salisbury. We forgot our lessons last night, but it is quite
+an accident that I have said mine to-day."
+
+"I am glad you have had the honor to say so," said Mr. Danby.
+"Of course you must learn yours, but let me have no more
+learning pieces, if you please."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+  "Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, they will
+  be still praising Thee. For a day in Thy courts is
+  better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper
+  in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents
+  of wickedness."--Psalm lxxxiv. 4, 10.
+
+
+Dr. Wilkinson's school was too large to be entirely accommodated with
+sittings in the nearest church--and, consequently, was divided into two
+bodies on Sunday, one of which regularly attended one of the churches in
+Bristol, where Mr. Wilkinson, the doctor's son, occasionally did duty.
+It fell to Louis' lot, generally, to be of the Bristol party, and unless
+the day was rainy he was not ill-pleased with his destiny, for the walk
+was very pleasant, and there was something in the chorus of bells in that
+many-churched city, and the sight of the gray towers and spires, very
+congenial to his feelings. It happened that the Sunday after Louis had
+received permission to mix as usual with his school-fellows was one
+of those peculiarly sunny days that seem to call upon God's people
+especially to rejoice and be glad in the Works of His hand. Louis' mind
+was in a more than usually peaceful state, and his heart overflowed
+with quiet happiness as he looked down from the height of Brandon Hill
+upon the city below. He and his companion had walked on rather faster
+than the rest of their school-fellows, and now stood waiting till they
+came up.
+
+"A penny for your thoughts, Mortimer," said his companion, a
+pleasant-looking boy of fifteen or sixteen years of age; "you
+are very silent to-day--what may be the subject of your profound
+meditations?"
+
+Louis hardly seemed to hear the question, for he suddenly turned his
+bright face to his interrogator, and exclaimed, "What a beautiful sight
+it is to see so many churches together, Meredith! I think our churches
+make us such a happy country."
+
+[Illustration: Louis and Meredith on Brandon Hill.]
+
+"Upon my word," replied Meredith, "you are endowing those piles of
+stone with considerable potency. What becomes of commerce and--"
+
+"I mean, of course," interrupted Louis, "that it is religion that
+makes us a happier country than others. I love so to look at the
+churches; the sight of one sometimes, when all is fair and quiet,
+brings the tears into my eyes."
+
+"Hey-dey! quite sentimental! You'd better be a parson, I think."
+
+"I hope I shall be a clergyman--I wish very much to be one--there is
+not such another happy life. I was just thinking, Meredith, when you
+spoke to me, of a verse we read yesterday morning, which quite expresses
+my feelings: 'One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will seek
+after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
+to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.'"
+
+Meredith looked with some surprise at Louis, and as they moved on he
+said carelessly, "I suppose somebody will have the gratification of
+beholding me in a long gown some day, holding forth for the edification
+of my devoted flock."
+
+"Are you going to be a clergyman?" asked Louis.
+
+"Yes, I suppose I must. Don't you think I shall be a most
+useful character?"
+
+"Oh! surely you wish it, do you not?"
+
+"Well, I don't much mind," replied Meredith, snatching a handful of
+leaves from the hedge near him; "I shall have a nice fat living, and
+it's a respectable kind of thing."
+
+Louis was horror-struck--he had not imagined such an idea--he almost
+gasped out, "Oh! Meredith, I can hardly understand you. Surely that is
+not your only wish about it: that cannot be a reason--not a right one."
+
+"Why, what's the harm?" said Meredith, laughing. "I only say outright
+what hundreds think. If I could choose, perhaps I might like the army
+best, but my father has a comfortable provision in the church for me,
+and so I, like a dutiful son, don't demur, especially as, if I follow
+the example of my predecessor, it will be vastly more easy than a
+soldier's life."
+
+"Meredith, Meredith, this is too solemn a thing to laugh about. I have
+often wondered how it is there are clergymen who can take their duties
+so easily as some do; but if they only undertake them for your reasons,
+I cannot feel so much surprised that they should be so careless. How
+can you expect any happiness from such a life! I should be afraid to
+talk so."
+
+Meredith stared contemptuously. "You are a Methodist, Louis," he said;
+"I have no doubt I shall preach as good sermons as you: just put on a
+grave face, and use a set of tender phrases, and wear a brilliant on
+your little finger, and a curly head, and there you are a fashionable
+preacher at once--and if you use your white pocket-handkerchief
+occasionally, throw your arms about a little, look as if you intended
+to tumble over the pulpit and embrace the congregation, and dose your
+audience with a little pathos, you may draw crowds--the ladies will
+idolize you."
+
+"I should not think that such popularity would be very good,"
+replied Louis, "supposing you could do as you say; but it seems
+to me quite shocking to speak in such a slighting manner of so
+holy a thing. Were you ever at an ordination, Meredith?"
+
+"Not I," said Meredith.
+
+"I should think if you had been you would be afraid to think of going
+to answer the solemn questions you will be asked when you are ordained.
+I was once with papa at an ordination at Norwich cathedral, and I shall
+never forget how solemnly that beautiful service came upon me. I could
+not help thinking how dreadful it must be to come there carelessly, and
+I wondered how the gentlemen felt who were kneeling there--and the hymn
+was so magnificent, Meredith. I think if you were there with your present
+feelings, you would be afraid to stay. It would seem like mocking God to
+come to answer all those solemn questions, and not mean what you said.
+I think it is wicked."
+
+Louis spoke rapidly, and with great emotion.
+
+Meredith looked angry, struggling with a feeling of shame, and a wish to
+laugh it off. "You are exclusively precise," he said; "others are not,
+and have as much right to their opinion as you to yours. Trevannion,
+for instance--he's going into the church because it is so genteel."
+
+"I hope you are mistaken," said Louis, quickly.
+
+"Not I; I heard him say the same thing myself."
+
+"I am _very_ sorry," said Louis, sadly. "Oh! I would rather be a laborer
+than go into the church with such a wish--and yet, I had rather be a
+very poor curate than a rich duke: it is such a happy, holy life." The
+last part of Louis' speech was nearly inaudible, and no more was said
+until the afternoon.
+
+It was Dr. Wilkinson's wish that the Sabbath should be passed as
+blamelessly as he had the power of ordering it in his household; but
+to make it a day of reverence and delight among so large a number of
+boys, with different dispositions and habits of life, was an arduous
+task. Mr. James Wilkinson was with the boys the whole afternoon, as
+well as his father, to whose utmost endeavors he joined his own, that
+the day might not be wholly unprofitable. In spite, however, of all
+diligence, it could not fail of often being grossly misspent with many
+of the pupils; for it is not possible for human power effectually to
+influence the heart, and, until that is done, any thing else can be but
+an outward form.
+
+This afternoon the boys were scattered over the large playground. In
+one corner was the doctor, with twenty or thirty boys around him, and
+in other directions, the different ushers hearing Catechisms and other
+lessons. Some of the parties were very dull, for no effort was made by
+the instructor to impart a real delight in the Word of God to his pupils;
+and religion was made merely a matter of question and answer, to remain
+engraved in such heartless form on the repugnant mind of the learner.
+And, alas! how can it be otherwise, where the teacher himself does not
+know that religion is a real and happy thing, and not to be learned as
+we teach our boys the outlines of heathen mythology?
+
+Sitting on the ground, lolling against one of the benches under a
+tree, sat Hastings Meredith and Reginald and Louis Mortimer; and one
+or two more were standing or sitting near; all of whom had just finished
+answering all the questions in the Church Catechism to Mr. Danby, and
+had said a Psalm.
+
+Louis was sitting on the bench, looking flushed, thinking of holidays,
+and, of course, of home,--home Sabbaths, those brightest days of home
+life,--when Trevannion came up with his usual air of cool, easy
+confidence. Trevannion was the most gentlemanly young man in the
+school; he never was in a hurry; was particularly alive to any
+thing "vulgar," or "snobbish," and would have thought it especially
+unbecoming in him to exhibit the smallest degree of annoyance at any
+untoward event. It took a good deal to put him out of countenance, and
+he esteemed it rather plebeian to go his own errands, or, indeed, to
+take any unnecessary trouble.
+
+"Were you in Bristol this morning, Meredith?" he said.
+
+"Yes, sure, your highness," replied Meredith, yawning.
+
+"Tired apparently," said Trevannion ironically, glancing at the
+recumbent attitude of the speaker.
+
+"Worried to death with that old bore Danby, who's been going backwards
+and forwards for the last hour, with 'What is your name?' and 'My good
+child,' &c. I'm as tired as--as--oh help me for a simile! as a pair of
+worn-out shoes."
+
+"A poetical simile at last," remarked Reginald, laughing.
+
+"You would have a nice walk," said Trevannion.
+
+"Very! and a sermon gratis to boot," replied Meredith. "It would
+have done you good, Trevannion, to have heard what shocking things
+you have done in being so _very genteel_."
+
+"What do you mean?" said Trevannion, coolly.
+
+"Louis Mortimer was giving me a taste of his Methodistical mind on the
+duties of clergymen generally, and your humble servant especially."
+
+"I presume you do not include yourself in the fraternity yet?"
+said Trevannion.
+
+"Not exactly; but having informed him of my prospects, the good child
+began to upbraid me with my hypocrisy, and, bless you, such a thundering
+sermon,--positively quite eloquent."
+
+"Perhaps I may be allowed to profit by the second part of it," said
+Trevannion, turning to Louis; "will you be kind enough to edify me?"
+
+Louis did not reply, and Trevannion's lips curled slightly as he
+remarked, "There is an old proverb about those who live in glass
+houses--'Physician, cure thyself.'"
+
+Poor Louis turned away, and Meredith, stretching himself and yawning
+terrifically, continued, "You must know, Trevannion, that it is very
+wicked to be any thing but a Methodist, very wicked for a clergyman
+to be genteel, or to wish to make himself comfortable."
+
+"Hastings, I did not say so," said Louis, turning his head.
+
+"And so," continued Meredith, without noticing Louis, "if we dare
+to follow up our own or our fathers' wishes, we must listen to
+Louis Mortimer, and he will tell us what to do."
+
+"Much obliged to him, I am sure," said Trevannion.
+
+"Yes, so am I," rejoined Meredith, "though I forgot to tender my
+thanks before; and hereby give notice, that when I am in orders,
+I will not hunt more than convenient, nor play cards on Good Friday,
+nor go to dancing parties on Saturday evening."
+
+"Pshaw, Meredith," said Trevannion: "it is very unbecoming to talk
+in this manner of so sacred a profession. A hunting and card-playing
+clergyman ought to be stripped of his gown without hesitation. Any
+right-minded person would recoil with horror at such a character. It
+is a great disgrace to the profession; no clergyman ought to enter
+into any kind of improper dissipation. Your ideas are very light
+and indelicate."
+
+"Will you be kind enough to define that term, _improper dissipation_,"
+said Meredith, carelessly. "I presume you have no objection to a quiet
+dance now and then, only they must not call it a ball."
+
+"A clergyman ought not to dance," replied Trevannion, in precisely the
+same cool, dictatorial manner.
+
+"He may look on them, may he not?" said Meredith.
+
+"A clergyman has many serious duties to perform, and he should be
+very careful that he does not degrade his office," replied Trevannion.
+"He has to uphold the dignity of the church, and should take care that
+his conduct is such that no reproach can fall on that church from his
+inconsistency."
+
+"Well, for my part," said Meredith, lightly, "I think the church
+too important to miss the weight of my example. I mean to have a
+most exemplary curate."
+
+Near these speakers sat Mr. James Wilkinson, with a few little boys,
+whom at this moment he hastily dismissed, for the sound of the light
+conversation reached him, and he arose quickly and introduced himself
+to the little coterie just as Reginald exclaimed, "For shame, Meredith!"
+
+"Ay, for shame," said Mr. James: "I have heard a little of what has been
+going on among you, and am really very sorry to hear such expressions on
+a subject so solemn and important. Meredith, you cannot be aware of what
+you are saying. I should like to have a little talk about this matter;
+and, Mr. Trevannion, if you will give me your attention for a few
+minutes, I shall be obliged to you."
+
+Trevannion seated himself on the bench, and folding his arms,
+remained in an attitude of passive attention.
+
+"Lend me your prayer-book, Mortimer," said Mr. James, and he quickly
+turned to the service for the ordering of deacons. "The first question
+here put to the candidate for holy orders is, 'Do you trust that you
+are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, to take upon you this office
+and ministration, to serve God for the promoting of His glory and the
+edifying of His people?' Now, Meredith, I ask you to think, whether,
+with such sentiments as you have just expressed, you can dare to answer,
+'_I trust so?_'"
+
+"I never thought very seriously about it," said Meredith,
+rather abruptly.
+
+"But you know these things must be thought of seriously and prayerfully.
+It is required of a man in every station of life, that he be faithful
+and diligent, serving the Lord, and whoever does not remember this,
+must answer for his neglect of such duty to his Maker. It will not do
+to say that our individual example can be of no importance; the command,
+'Occupy till I come,' is laid upon each one of us; but what must be said
+of him who, in a careless, light frame of mind, takes these holy vows
+upon him, knowing in his own mind that he intends to break them; that
+his sole desire to be put into the priest's office is to eat a morsel
+of bread? What shall be said of him who goes into the house of God, and
+in the presence of His people declares that it is his intention, 'to
+search gladly and willingly for the sick and poor of his parish,
+to relieve their necessities; to frame his own life and the lives
+of his family according to the doctrine of Christ; to be diligent in
+prayers and in reading of the Holy Scriptures, laying aside the study
+of the world and the flesh,' and yet knows that he intends to enjoy
+himself in the things of this world--a very hireling who forgets that
+his master's eye is upon him. It is a fearful thing. It is coming before
+the Almighty with a lie. Nay, hear me a little longer. The clergyman's
+is a glorious and exalted path, the happiest I know of on earth. It is
+his especially to bear the message of salvation from a tender Saviour.
+It is his to go forth with the balm of heavenly comfort, to bind up the
+wounds sin and grief have made. It is his indeed pre-eminently to dwell
+in the house of his God, to be hid away from the world and its many
+allurements; but as every great blessing brings with it a great
+responsibility, so the responsibility of the minister of Christ is
+very great, and if he turn from the commandment delivered to him, his
+condemnation is fearful. I should be much obliged to you, Meredith,
+if you would read me these verses."
+
+Meredith took the open Bible from Mr. Wilkinson's hand, and read aloud
+the first ten verses of the 34th of Ezekiel.
+
+"In this holy word, which must be the standard for all our conduct,
+we do not find that the Almighty looks upon this office as a light
+thing. In the thirty-third chapter there is so solemn a warning to
+the careless watchman, that I wonder any one who does not steadfastly
+intend to give himself to his sacred duties, can read it and not
+tremble. 'If the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet,
+and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take away any
+person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but HIS
+BLOOD WILL I REQUIRE AT THE WATCHMAN'S HAND. So thou, O son of man,
+I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou
+shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say
+unto the wicked, Oh wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost
+not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die
+in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.' This is
+the second solemn warning to the same purport given to Ezekiel; for,
+in the third chapter, we find the same thing; and these are awful
+truths engraved in God's everlasting word, by which we are to be
+judged at the last day. You must excuse me," continued Mr. Wilkinson,
+and his eyes glistened with emotion; "but I am a watchman, and I must
+warn you of the fearful sin you are contemplating."
+
+Meredith was silent. He was impressed with the earnestness displayed by
+Mr. Wilkinson, and the solemn truths he had brought before him--truths
+it would be well if all those who are looking forward to entering the
+sacred ministry would seriously and prayerfully consider.
+
+The tea bell ringing at this moment, the conversation was necessarily
+concluded; but that evening after prayers, Mr. Wilkinson put into
+Meredith's hand a piece of paper, on which were written the following
+references: Num. xvi. 9; Isaiah lii. 7, 8; lxii. 6, 7; Jer. xxiii. 1-4;
+Ezek. iii. 17-21; xxxiii. 1-9; xxxiv. 1-10; John xxi. 15-17;
+1 Cor. ix. 16, 17, 19; and both the Epistles to Timothy; and underneath
+the references was the Apostle's injunction, "Meditate upon these things;
+give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear unto all."
+
+When Louis was fairly in bed that night, he was called on for a story.
+
+"Tell us the end of the princess Rosetta, Louis," cried Frank;
+"I want to know how the fair animal got out of her watery bedroom,
+and whether the green dog ever got his nose nipped by the oysters
+he was so fond of snapping up."
+
+"Yes, Rosetta!" cried several voices. "Did she ever get to the king
+of the peacocks, Louis?"
+
+"No, no," cried Reginald; "it is not fit for Sunday."
+
+"I am sure we have been doing heaps of good things to-day,"
+replied Frank, lightly; "come, Louis."
+
+"I must not," said Louis, gently. "I do not like telling stories at
+night at all, because I think we ought not to fill our heads with such
+things when we are going to sleep; but I must not tell you Rosetta
+to-night, Frank."
+
+"Get along," said Frank, contemptuously; "you are not worth the snap
+of a finger. All you are ever worth is to tell stories, and now you
+must needs set up for a good, pious boy--you, forsooth of all others!"
+
+"Indeed, Frank, you will not understand me."
+
+"If you dare to say any more to Louis," cried Reginald, "I'll make you--"
+
+Louis' hand was upon Reginald's mouth.
+
+Frank replied, tauntingly, "Ay, finish your work this time, that's
+right. Come boys, never mind, I'll tell you a wonderful tale."
+
+"I think we'd better not have one to-night," said one; "perhaps
+Mortimer's right."
+
+"Don't have one, don't!" said Louis, starting up; "do not let us
+forget that all this day is God's day, and that we must not even
+speak our own words."
+
+"None of your cant," cried one.
+
+"Well, I propose that we go to sleep, and then we shan't hear what
+he says," said Meredith. "They talk of his not having pluck enough
+to speak, but he can do it when he pleases," he remarked in a low
+tone to his next companion, Frank Digby, who rejoined,
+
+"More shame for him, the little hypocrite. I like real religious
+people, but I can't bear cant."
+
+What Frank's idea of real religion was, may be rather a difficult
+matter to settle. Probably it was an obscure idea to himself,--an
+idea of certain sentiment and no vitality.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+The next Saturday afternoon proving unusually fine, the community at
+Ashfield House sallied forth to enjoy their half-holiday on the downs.
+A few of the seniors had received permission to pay a visit to Bristol,
+and not a small party was arranged for a good game of cricket. Among
+the latter was Reginald Mortimer, whose strong arm and swift foot were
+deemed almost indispensable on such occasions. As he rushed out of the
+playground gates, bat in hand, accompanied by Meredith, he overtook his
+brother, who had discovered a poem unknown to him in _Coleridge's Ancient
+Mariner_, and was anticipating a pleasant mental feast in its perusal.
+
+"Louis, you lazy fellow," cried Reginald, good-temperedly, "you shan't
+read this fine afternoon--come, join us."
+
+"I don't play cricket, I have not learned," replied Louis.
+
+"And you never will," rejoined Reginald, "if you don't make a beginning:
+I'll teach you--now put away that stupid book."
+
+"_Stupid!_" said Louis. "It's Coleridge, that mamma promised to read
+to us."
+
+"I hate poetry," exclaimed Reginald; "I wonder how anybody can read such
+stuff. Give me the book, Louis, and come along."
+
+"No, thank you, I'd rather not."
+
+"What a donkey you are!" said Meredith: "why don't you learn?"
+
+"Perhaps my reputation may be the safer for not divulging my reasons,"
+said Louis, archly: "it is sufficient for present purposes that I had
+rather not."
+
+"_Rather not_--_rather not_," echoed Meredith: "like one of your
+sensible reasons."
+
+"He has refused to give them, so you cannot call that his reason,
+Meredith," remarked Reginald; "but let us be off, as Louis won't come."
+
+Away they ran, and after looking at them for a minute, Louis turned
+off his own way, but it was destined that he should not read the
+_Ancient Mariner_ that day, for he was presently interrupted by
+little Alfred Hamilton, who pounced upon him full of joy.
+
+"Louis," he cried, "I am so glad to speak to you! I don't know how
+it is that I have not been able to speak to you lately: I half thought
+Edward did not like it, but he asked me to-day why I did not come to
+you now."
+
+"Did he?" exclaimed Louis, with joyful surprise; "I am very glad you
+are come. I think we shall have a beautiful walk."
+
+"I can't think how it is, Louis, that everybody is either so grave or
+rude when I speak of you. What is the matter?"
+
+"A mistake; and a sad one for me," said Louis, gravely. "But don't say
+any thing about it, Alfred; they think I have been doing something very
+wrong; but all will come out some day."
+
+"I hope so," replied little Alfred; "I cannot think what you can have
+done wrong, Louis, you always seem so good."
+
+The child looked wistfully up in Louis' face as he spoke, and seemed
+to wait some explanation.
+
+"That is because you do not know much about me, Alfred," replied Louis;
+"but in this one case I have not done wrong, I assure you."
+
+Alfred asked no more questions, though he looked more than once in the
+now sorrowful young face by him, as they sauntered along the wide downs.
+
+"Here come Edward and Mr. Trevannion," said Alfred, turning round;
+"and there is Frank Digby, and Mr. Ferrers, too. I think Edward is
+going to Bristol this afternoon."
+
+This intimation of the august approach of his majesty and court was
+hardly given when the young gentlemen passed Louis. Hamilton, with
+Trevannion, as usual, leaning on his arm, and Frank Digby walking
+backwards before them, vainly endeavoring to support a failing
+argument with a flood of nonsense, a common custom with this young
+gentleman; and, by the way, we might recommend it as remarkably
+convenient at such times, to prevent the pain of a total discomfiture,
+it being more pleasant to slip quietly and unseen from your pedestal
+to some perfectly remote topic, than to allow yourself to be hurled
+roughly therefrom by the rude hand of a more sound and successful
+disputant.
+
+"Enough, enough, Frank!" exclaimed Hamilton, laughing. "I see through
+your flimsy veil. We won't say any more: you either argue in a circle,
+or try to blind us."
+
+Louis looked up as Hamilton passed, in hopes that that magnate might
+give him a favorable glance, in which he was not mistaken, for Edward
+the Great had been watching him from some distance, and was perfectly
+aware of his near approach to him.
+
+He certainly did not seem displeased, though the grave countenance bore
+no marks of particular satisfaction at the rencontre. He spoke carelessly
+to his brother, and then, addressing Louis, said, "You must look after
+him, Louis, if you wish for his company; if not, dismiss him at once."
+
+"I do wish for him," said Louis, with a bright look of gratitude;
+"I promise to take care of him. Mr. Hamilton, I am getting up in my
+class--I am fifth now."
+
+The latter communication was made doubtfully, in a tone indicating
+mixed pleasure and timidity.
+
+"I am glad to hear it," was Hamilton's laconic reply. He did not quicken
+his pace. "What have you there?" he asked, noticing his book.
+
+"Coleridge's _Ancient Mariner_; I was going to read it," replied Louis;
+"but now Alfred has come we shall talk: shall we not, Alfred?"
+
+This was accompanied by another look of grateful pleasure at Alfred's
+brother.
+
+What was passing in Hamilton's mind was not to be gathered from his
+countenance, which exhibited no emotion of any kind. He turned to
+Trevannion, as their party was strengthened by Churchill, remarking,
+"Here comes the sucking fish."
+
+"It's _uncommon_ hot," said Churchill, taking off his hat, and fanning
+himself with his handkerchief.
+
+"_Dreadful_ warm," said Frank Digby, in exactly the same tone.
+
+"And there is not a breath of wind on the horrid downs," continued the
+sapient youth, perfectly unconscious of Frank's mimicry.
+
+"What will the fair Louisa do?" cried Frank: "O that a zephyr would
+have pity on that delicate form!"
+
+Across their path lay a wagon, from which the horses had been detached,
+and which now offered a tempting though homely shelter to those among
+the pedestrians who might choose to sit on the shady side, or to avail
+themselves of the accommodation afforded by the awning over the interior.
+Ferrers threw himself full length inside the cart: and Louis, drawing
+Alfred to the shady side, seated himself by him on the grass. His example
+was followed by Churchill, who exclaimed rapturously as he did so, "How
+nice! This puts me in mind of a Latin sentence; I forget the Latin, but
+I remember the English--'Oh, 'tis pleasant to sit in the shade!'"
+
+"Of a wagon," said Frank, laughing. "Remarkably romantic! It is so
+sweet to hear the birds chirp, and the distant hum of human voices--but
+language fails! As for Lady Louisa, she is in the Elysium of ecstasy.
+It's _so_ romantic."
+
+"Are you going to Bristol, Frank, for I'm off?" said Hamilton.
+
+"Coming," replied Frank. "We'll leave these romantic mortals to their
+sequestered glen. There ain't nothing like imagination, my good sirs."
+
+As he joined his companions, Trevannion remarked to Hamilton, "Little
+Mortimer is so much the gentleman, you never know him do or say any
+thing vulgar or awkward. It is a pity one can't depend upon him."
+
+"I am not quite sure that you cannot," replied Hamilton.
+
+"How!" said Trevannion, in astonishment.
+
+"Are you going to turn Paladin for her ladyship?" asked Frank.
+
+"I have been watching Louis very carefully, and the more I see,
+the more I doubt his guilt," replied Hamilton.
+
+"After what you saw yourself? After all that was seen by others?
+Impossible, my dear Hamilton!" exclaimed Trevannion. "You cannot
+exonerate him without criminating others."
+
+"We shall see," replied Hamilton; "and more than that, Trevannion,
+I am certain that Dr. Wilkinson has his doubts now, too."
+
+"But does Fudge know any thing about his old pranks?" asked Frank,
+incredulously.
+
+"I cannot say," replied Hamilton; "but I think that he probably does;
+for what is so well known now among ourselves, is likely enough to reach
+his quick ears."
+
+"But knowing all you do, my dear Hamilton," said Trevannion,
+expostulatingly, "you must be strongly prejudiced in your protege's
+favor to admit a doubt in this case. Has Dr. Wilkinson told you that
+he has any doubts?"
+
+"No," replied Hamilton; "you know the doctor would not reveal his mind
+unless he were confident, but I have noticed some little things, and am
+sure that though he seems generally so indifferent to Louis' presence
+and concerns, and so distant and cold towards him, he's nevertheless
+watching him very narrowly; and I, for my part, expect to see things
+take a new turn before long."
+
+"The boy seems quite to have won your heart," said Trevannion.
+
+"Poor fellow," replied Hamilton, smiling. "He is a sweet-tempered,
+gentle boy; a little too anxious to be well thought of, and has,
+perhaps, too little _moral courage_. I own he has interested me.
+His very timidity and his numerous scrapes called forth pity in the
+first instance, and then I saw more. I should not have been surprised
+at his telling a lie in the first place, but I do not think he would
+persist in it."
+
+"I'm afraid wisdom's at fault," said Frank, shaking his head:
+"you would not say that Ferrers helped him?--I mean took the key
+to get him into a scrape."
+
+"I accused no one, Digby," replied Hamilton, in a reserved tone;
+"nor am I going to wrong any one by uttering unformed suspicions."
+
+"Enough has been said," remarked Trevannion; "let us drop the subject,
+and talk of something more interesting to all parties."
+
+While these young gentlemen pursue their walk, we will retrace our
+steps to the wagon, where Louis and his little friend have taken
+shelter.
+
+Churchill, finding neither seemed very much inclined to encourage his
+conversational powers, took himself off, after remaining in the shade
+long enough to cool himself. After his departure Louis and Alfred talked
+lazily on of their own pleasant thoughts and schemes, both delighted at
+being once more in each other's society. They were within sight of the
+masters out on the downs, and who had forbidden them to wander beyond
+certain limits, but still so far from their school-fellows as to be able
+to enjoy their own private conversation unmolested, and in the feeling
+of seclusion.
+
+At length, after a pause, Louis made an original remark on the beauty
+of the weather, which was immediately responded to by his companion,
+who added that he had not known such a fine day since Miss Wilkinson's
+wedding.
+
+"Don't you think so?" said Louis; "I think we had one or two Sundays
+quite as fine."
+
+"Perhaps I thought that day so very fine, because I wanted to go out,"
+said Alfred.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Louis: "we had a holiday then."
+
+"Yes, I know, but I was not allowed to go out because I had been idle,
+and had spoken improperly to Mr. Norton. I remember it was so sad. I
+assure you, Louis, I cried nearly all day; for I was shut up in your
+class-room, and I heard all the boys so merry outside. The very thought
+makes me quite sorrowful now."
+
+A thought flashed across Louis' mind, and he asked quickly--
+
+"Were you shut up in our class-room that holiday, Alfred? I never saw
+you when I went in."
+
+"But I saw you once," said Alfred, "when you came in for an atlas;
+and I saw Mr. Ferrers, and afterwards Edward and Mr. Salisbury and
+Mr. Trevannion come in; but I was ashamed, and I did not want any
+one to see me, so I hid myself between the book-case and the wall."
+
+"Did your brother know you were there?" asked Louis.
+
+"Not _there_," replied Alfred. "He thought I was to go into
+Dr. Wilkinson's study; but I could not go there, and I didn't
+want him to speak to me."
+
+"Did Ferrers come to fetch any thing, Alfred?"
+
+Alfred laughed. "It won't be telling tales out of school to tell you,
+Louis. He came for a key to the first-class exercise book."
+
+"How do you know it was a first-class exercise book, Alfred?"
+asked Louis, with a glowing face and beating heart.
+
+"I know Edward does Kenrick's Latin Exercises, and I know the key
+because it's just like the book, and I have seen Mr. Ferrers with
+it before. I remember once on a half-holiday he did his lessons in
+the school-room at my desk, and he had it open in the desk, and as
+I wanted something out. I saw it, though he did not think I did."
+
+"Oh Alfred, Alfred!" cried Louis, clasping him very tightly. "Oh Alfred!
+_dear_ Alfred!"
+
+The child looked up in astonishment, but Louis was so wild with
+excitement that he could not say any more.
+
+Just at that moment there was an abrupt movement in the wagon,
+and Ferrers' head was put over the side.
+
+Alfred uttered an exclamation of fear. "Oh, there's Mr. Ferrers!"
+
+"What rubbish have you been talking, you little impostor?" cried Ferrers.
+"How dare you talk in such a manner? I've a great mind to kick you from
+Land's End to John o' Groat's house."
+
+[Illustration: Ferrers begins to be found out.]
+
+"Ferrers, you know it's all true," said Louis.
+
+Ferrers' face was white with passion and anxiety. "Get along with
+you, Alfred, you'd better not let me hear any more of your lies, I
+can tell you."
+
+"If you had not been listening you would not have heard," replied Alfred,
+taking care to stand out of Ferrers' reach. "Listeners never hear any
+good of themselves, Mr. Ferrers: you know it's all true, and if I'd
+told Edward, you wouldn't have liked it."
+
+"Alfred dear, don't say so much," said Louis.
+
+Alfred here set off running, as Ferrers had dismounted in a very
+threatening attitude, but instead of giving chase to the daring
+fugitive, the conscience-stricken youth drew near Louis, who was
+standing in a state of such delight that he must be excused a little
+if no thought of his school-fellow's disgrace marred it at present.
+A glance at the changed and terror-stricken countenance of that
+school-fellow checked the exuberance of Louis' joy, for he was too
+sympathizing not to feel for him, and he said in a gentle tone,
+
+"I am very sorry for you, Ferrers,--you have heard all that Alfred
+has said."
+
+"Louis Mortimer!" exclaimed Ferrers, in agony; and Louis was half
+alarmed by the wild despair of his manner, and the vehemence with
+which he seized his arm. "Louis Mortimer--it is all true--but what
+shall I do?"
+
+Louis was so startled that he could not answer at first: at last
+he replied,
+
+"Go and tell the doctor yourself--that will be much the best way."
+
+"Listen to me a moment--just listen a moment--as soon as Dr. Wilkinson
+knows it, I shall be expelled, and I shall be ruined for life. What I
+have suffered, Louis! Oh--you see how it was; I dared not tell about
+it--how can I hope you can forgive me?"
+
+"I think you must have seen that I forgave you long ago," replied
+Louis; "I wish I could do any thing for you, Ferrers, but you cannot
+expect me to bear the blame of this any longer. I think if you tell
+it to the doctor yourself, he will, perhaps, overlook it, and I will
+beg for you."
+
+"Oh, Louis!" said Ferrers, seizing the passive hand, and speaking more
+vehemently; "you heard what the doctor said, and he will do it--and
+for one fault to lose all my prospects in life! I shall leave at the
+holidays, and then I will tell Dr. Wilkinson; will you--can you--to
+save a fellow from such disgrace, spare me a little longer? There are
+only four weeks--oh, Louis! I shall be eternally obliged--but if you
+could tell--I have a father--just think how yours would feel. Louis,
+will you, can you do this very great favor for me? I don't deserve any
+mercy from you, I know; but you are better than I am."
+
+All the bright visions of acknowledged innocence fled, and a blank
+seemed to come over poor Louis' soul. The sacrifice seemed far too
+great, and he felt as if he were not called to make it; and yet--a
+glance at Ferrers' face--his distress, but not his meanness, struck
+him. A minute before, he had indulged in bright dreams of more than
+restoration to favor--of his brother's delight--of his father's and
+mother's approbation--of his grandfather's satisfaction--and Hamilton's
+friendly congratulations. And to give up this! it was surely too much
+to expect.
+
+During his silence, Ferrers kept squeezing, and even kissing, his now
+cold hand, and repeating,
+
+"Dear Louis--be merciful--will you pity me?--think of all--I don't
+deserve it, I know." And though the meanness and cowardliness were
+apparent, Louis looked at little else than the extreme agony of the
+suppliant.
+
+"Don't kiss my hand, Ferrers--I can't bear it," he said at length,
+drawing his hand quickly away; and there was something akin to disgust
+mingled with the sorrowful look he gave to his companion.
+
+"But Louis, will you?"
+
+"Oh Ferrers! it is a hard thing to ask of me," said Louis, bitterly.
+
+"Just for a little longer," implored Ferrers, "to save me from a
+lasting disgrace."
+
+Louis turned his head away--it was a hard, hard struggle: "I will
+try to bear it if God will help me," he said; "I will not mention
+it at present."
+
+"Oh! how can I thank you! how can I! how shall I ever be able!"
+cried Ferrers: "but will Alfred tell?"
+
+"He does not know," replied Louis, in a low tone.
+
+"But will he not mention what has passed?"
+
+"I will warn him then," said Louis.
+
+Ferrers then in broken sentences renewed his thanks, and Louis, after
+hearing a few in silence, as if he heard nothing, turned his full moist
+eyes on him with a sorrowful beseeching look,
+
+"You have done a very wicked thing, Ferrers. Oh do pray to God to
+forgive you."
+
+"I will try to do any thing you wish," replied Ferrers.
+
+"A prayer because _I_ wished, could do you no good. You must feel you
+have sinned against God. Do try to think of this. If it should make
+you do so, I _think_ I could cheerfully bear this disgrace a little
+longer for you, though what it is to bear I cannot tell you."
+
+"You are almost an angel, Louis!" exclaimed Ferrers.
+
+"Oh don't say such things to me, Ferrers," said Louis, "pray don't.
+I am not more so than I was before this--I am but a sinful creature
+like yourself, and it is the remembrance of this that makes me pity
+you. Now do leave me alone; I cannot bear to hear you flatter me now."
+
+Ferrers lingered yet, though Louis moved from him with a shuddering
+abhorrence of the fawning, creeping manner of his school-fellow. Seeing
+that Ferrers still loitered near him, he asked if there were any thing
+more to say.
+
+"Will your brother know this?"
+
+"Reginald?" replied Louis. "Of course--no--_I_ shall not tell him."
+
+"A thousand thousand times I thank you,--oh Louis, Louis, you are
+too good!"
+
+"Will you be kind enough to let me alone," said Louis gently,
+but very decidedly.
+
+This time the request was complied with, and Louis resumed his former
+seat, and fixing his eyes vacantly on the sweet prospect before him,
+ruminated with a full heart on the recent discovery; and, strange to
+say, though he had voluntarily promised to screen Ferrers a little
+longer from his justly merited disgrace, he felt as if it had been
+only a compulsory sense of duty and not benevolence which had led him
+to do so, and was inclined to murmur at his hard lot. For some time he
+sat in a kind of sullen apathy, without being able to send up a prayer,
+even though he felt he needed help to feel rightly. At length the kindly
+tears burst forth, and covering his face with his hands he wept softly.
+"I am very wrong--very ungrateful to God for His love to me. He has borne
+so much for me, and I am so unwilling to bear a little for poor Ferrers.
+Oh what sinful feelings I have! My heavenly Father, teach me to feel pity
+for him, for he has no one to help him; help him, teach him, Thyself."
+
+Such, and many more, were the deep heart-breathings of the dear boy,
+and who ever sought for guidance and grace, and was rejected? and how
+unspeakably comfortable is the assurance, that for each of us there is
+with Christ the very grace we need.
+
+The sullen fit was gone, and Louis was his own happy self again, when
+little Alfred came to tell him that Mr. Witworth had given the order to
+return home,--"And I came to tell you, dear Louis, for I wanted to walk
+home with you. What a beast that Ferrers is! see if I won't tell Edward
+of him."
+
+"Hush, Alfred!" said Louis, putting his finger on the little boy's mouth.
+"Do you know that God is very angry when we call each other bad names,
+and surely you do not wish to revenge yourself? I will tell you a very
+sweet verse which our Saviour said: '_Love your enemies, bless them that
+curse you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you,
+that ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven._'" As the
+little monitor spoke, the soft consciousness of the comfort of those
+sweet words rushed over his own mind, "_children of your Father who is
+in heaven_."
+
+"And am I a child--His child indeed! I will try to glorify my Saviour
+who has given me that great name."
+
+That is a sure promise that "they who water shall be watered," and
+who is there that has endeavored to lead another heavenward, that has
+not felt, at one time or another, a double share of that living water
+refreshing his own soul?
+
+With one arm round his little friend's neck, Louis wandered home,
+and, during the walk, easily persuaded Alfred not to say a word of
+what had passed; and as for Louis--oh, his eye was brighter, his
+step more buoyant, his heart full of gladness!
+
+A little word, and I will close this long chapter. It is good for us
+to consider how unable we are to think and to do rightly ourselves:
+we must do so if we would be saved by Christ. When we have done all,
+we are unprofitable servants; but oh, how gracious--how incomprehensible
+is that love that puts into our minds good desires, brings the same to
+good effect, and rewards us for those things which He Himself has enabled
+us to do!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+  "Charity suffereth long, and is kind."--1 Cor. xiii. 4.
+
+
+Louis entered the class-room sooner than usual one evening, and
+sitting down by his brother, spread before him a few strawberries
+and some sweet-cakes, inviting him and one of Salisbury's brothers
+who was on the other side of him to partake of them.
+
+"What beauties they are!" exclaimed John Salisbury; "have you had a box,
+Louis? How _did_ you get them?"
+
+"Guess," said Louis.
+
+"Nay, I can't guess. Strawberries like these don't come at this time
+of the year in boxes."
+
+"I guess," said Frank Digby from the opposite side of the table,
+in a tone as if he had been speaking to some one behind him.
+"Fudge has a dinner party to-night, hasn't he?"
+
+"Yes," said Louis, laughing; "how did you know that?"
+
+"Oh, I have the little green bird that tells every thing," replied Frank.
+
+"What's that, Frank?" cried Salisbury; "Fudge a dinner party? How snug
+he's kept it!"
+
+"Why you don't suppose that he's obliged to inform us all when he has
+some idea of doing the genteel," remarked one of the first class.
+
+"Are Hamilton and Trevannion invited?" asked Salisbury.
+
+"In good troth! thou art a bat of the most blind species," said Frank;
+"didn't you see them both just now in all their best toggery? Trevannion
+went up to his room just after school, and has, I believe, at last
+adorned his beauteous person to his mind--all graces and delicious
+odors.--Faugh! he puts me in mind of a hair-dresser's shop."
+
+"He declares that his new perfumes are something expressly superior,"
+said another. "_He_ wouldn't touch your vulgar scents."
+
+"His _millefleurs_ is at all events uncommonly like a muskrat,"
+said Salisbury.
+
+"And," remarked Frank, "as that erudite youth, Oars, would say,
+'puts me in mind of some poet, but I've forgotten his name.' However,
+two lines borrowed from him, which my sister quotes to me when I am
+genteel, will do as well as his name:
+
+    "'I cannot talk with civet in the room--
+      A fine puss gentleman, that's all perfume.'"
+
+Reginald laughed. "I often think of the overrun flower-pots in the
+cottages at Dashwood, when Trevannion has been adorning himself.
+I once mortally offended him by the same quotation."
+
+"Had you the amazing audacity! the intolerable presumption!" cried
+Frank, pretending to start. "I perceive his magnificent scorn didn't
+quite annihilate you; I think, though, he was three hours embellishing
+himself to-night."
+
+"Frank, that's impossible!" cried Louis, laughing, "for it was four
+o'clock when he went, and it's only half-past six now."
+
+"Cease your speech, and eat your booty: I dare say it is sweet enough;
+sweetness is the usual concomitant of goods so obtained."
+
+"What do you mean, Frank?" asked Louis.
+
+"Sweet little innocent; of course he don't know--no, in course he
+don't--how should he? they came into his hand by accident," said Frank,
+mockingly; "I wish such fortunate accidents would happen to me."
+
+"They were given to me, Frank," said Louis, quietly. "Mrs. Wilkinson
+gave them to me when she told me I must not stay in the study."
+
+"What a kind person Mrs. Wilkinson is!--oh! Louis, Louis, _Tanta est
+depravitas humani generis_!"
+
+"FRANK!" shouted Reginald, "at your peril!"
+
+"Well, my dear--what, is my life in peril from you again? I must take
+care then."
+
+"Come, Frank, have done," cried one of his class-fellows, "can't you
+leave Louis Mortimer alone--it doesn't signify to you."
+
+"I only meant to admonish him by a gentle hint, that he must not presume
+to contradict gentlemen whose honor and veracity may at least be on a
+par with his own."
+
+"Frank," said Louis, "I cannot think how you can suppose me guilty of
+such meanness."
+
+"The least said, the soonest mended," remarked Salisbury. "We must have
+large powers of credence where you are concerned. Clear off your old
+scores, and then we will begin a new one with you."
+
+Reginald started to his feet. "You shall rue this, Salisbury."
+
+"Two can play at your game," rejoined Salisbury, rising.
+
+Reginald was springing forward, but was checked by Louis, who threw
+himself on him. "Do not fight, dear Reginald--do not, pray."
+
+"I will--unhand me, Louis! I tell you I WILL--let me go."
+
+"Dear Reginald, not for me--wait a minute."
+
+At this moment the form behind them fell with a heavy bang, and in
+struggling to release himself, Reginald fell over it, dragging Louis
+with him. Louis was a little hurt, but he did not let go his hold.
+"Reginald," he said, "ask Mrs. Wilkinson to say so herself; they will
+believe her, I suppose."
+
+The fall had a little checked his rage, and Reginald sat brooding in
+sullen anger on the ground. At last he started up and left the room,
+saying to Louis, "It's all your fault, then--you've no spirit, and
+you don't want me to have any."
+
+Louis mechanically assisted in raising the form, and stood silently
+by the table. He looked quickly round, and pushing the little share
+of his untasted fruit from him, went into the school-room. He did not
+recover his spirits again that evening, even when Reginald apologized
+to him for his roughness, pleading in excuse the extreme trouble it
+gave him to prevent himself from fighting with Salisbury.
+
+As they went up stairs that night, in spite of the cautions given
+by the usher to be quiet, a sham scuffle ensued on purpose between
+Salisbury and Frank Digby, during which the former let his candle
+fall over the bannisters, and they were left in darkness; though,
+happily for the comfort of the doctor's dinner party, the second
+hall and back staircase arrangement effectually prevented the noise
+that ensued from reaching the drawing-room.
+
+"Halloa there--you fellows! Mortimer, ahoa!" cried one of Salisbury's
+party; "bring your light."
+
+"You may come and fetch it if you want it," shouted Reginald from
+his room.
+
+"We're in the dark," was the reply.
+
+"So much the better," said Reginald: "perhaps you will behave a little
+better now; if you want a light you may come and light your candle here."
+
+"Our candle's on the hall floor," said another voice, amidst suppressed
+laughter.
+
+"Pick it up, then."
+
+"We're desperately afraid of hobgoblins," cried Frank, rushing into his
+room and blowing their candle out.
+
+"What did you do that for, Frank?" asked several indignant voices.
+
+"Because Salisbury and his myrmidons were coming to carry it off by a
+_coup de main_--he-he-he--" giggled Frank.
+
+"And so you've given your own head a blow to punish your tooth! well
+done," exclaimed another voice at the door.
+
+"Peters, is that you?"
+
+"What's to be done now?"
+
+"How shall we get a light?"
+
+"If you will give me the candle I will get one," said Louis.
+
+Accordingly, the extinguished candle was delivered into his hands, and
+he felt his way to the kitchen door, where he obtained a light, and then,
+picking up the fallen candle, tried to arrange its shattered form, and
+replace it. While thus employed, Ferrers joined him, and offered his aid,
+and on Louis' accepting it, said in a low tone,--
+
+"Louis, I am a wretch, I am so very miserable. I can't think how you
+can bear so much from one who has never done you any thing but harm."
+
+Louis raised his head from his work in astonishment, and saw that
+Ferrers looked as he said, very miserable, and was deadly pale.
+
+"I do so despise myself--to see you bearing all so sweetly, Louis. I
+should have been different, perhaps, if I had known you before--I love,
+I admire you, as much as I hate myself."
+
+"Are you coming with the candle there?" cried a voice from above:
+"Louis Mortimer and William Ferrers in deep confabulation--wonders
+will never cease."
+
+Ferrers jumped up and ran up stairs with his candle, and Louis followed
+more leisurely to his own room, nor could any thing induce him that
+night to tell a story. How long and earnest was his prayer for one
+who had injured him so cruelly, but towards whom he now, instead of
+resentment, felt only pity and interest!
+
+Ferrers, after tossing from side to side, and trying all schemes for
+several hours, in vain, to drown his remorse in sleep, at last, at
+daybreak, sank into an uneasy slumber. The image of Louis, and his
+mute expression of patient sorrow that evening, haunted him, and he
+felt an indefinable longing to be like him, and a horror of himself
+in comparison with him. He remembered Louis' words, "Pray to God;"
+and one murmured petition was whispered in the stillness of the night,
+"Lord have mercy on a great sinner."
+
+Since his disgrace, Louis generally had his brother for a companion
+during their walks; but the next morning Ferrers joined him, and asked
+Louis to walk with him to the downs. They were both naturally silent
+for the beginning of the walk; but on Louis making some remark, Ferrers
+said, "I can't think of any thing just now, Louis; I have done every
+thing wrong to-day. My only satisfaction is in telling you how much
+I feel your goodness. I can't think how you can endure me."
+
+"Oh, Ferrers!" said Louis, "what am I that I should not bear you? and
+if you are really sorry, and wish to be better, I think I may some day
+love you."
+
+"_That_ you can never do, Louis,--you must hate and despise me."
+
+"No, I do not," said Louis, kindly; "I am very sorry for you."
+
+"You must have felt very angry."
+
+"I did feel very unkind and shocked at first," replied Louis; "but by
+God's grace I learned afterwards to feel very differently, and you can't
+think how often I have pitied you since."
+
+"Pitied _me_!" said Ferrers.
+
+"Oh yes," replied Louis, sweetly; "because I am sure you must have been
+very unhappy with the knowledge of sin in your heart--I don't think there
+is any thing so hard as remorse to bear."
+
+"I did not feel much sorrow till you were so kind to me," said Ferrers.
+"What a wretch you must think me!"
+
+"I have sinned too greatly myself to judge very hardly of you; and
+when I think of all the love shown to me, I feel anxious to show some
+love to others; and I should be afraid, if I thought too hardly of you,
+I should soon be left to find out what I am."
+
+Ferrers did not reply; he did not understand the motives which
+induced Louis' forbearance and gentleness, for he was an entire
+stranger to religion, and never having met with any one resembling
+Louis, could not comprehend, though he did not fail to admire, his
+character, now its beauty was so conspicuously before him. He felt
+there was an immeasurable distance between them--for the first
+time he found himself wanting. Mentally putting himself in Louis'
+place, he acknowledged that no persuasion could have induced him
+to act so generously and disinterestedly; and knowing the keen
+sensitiveness of Louis to disgrace, he wondered how one so alive
+to the opinion of others, and naturally so yielding and wavering,
+could steadily and uncomplainingly persevere in his benevolent
+purpose; for not by word or sign did Louis even hint the truth
+to Reginald--the usual depository of his cares and secrets.
+
+Louis, imagining the silence of his companion to proceed from shame
+and distress, proceeded after a few minutes to reassure him.
+
+"You must not think that I am miserable, Ferrers, for lately I have
+been much happier than even when I was in favor, for now I do not care
+so much what the boys will think or say of me, and that thought was
+always coming in the way of every thing; and there are many things
+which make me very happy, often."
+
+"What things, Louis?"
+
+"I do not think you would understand me," replied Louis, timidly;
+"the things and thoughts that make me happy are so different from
+what we hear generally here."
+
+"But tell me, Louis. I want to know how it is you are so much better
+than any one else here. I want to be better myself."
+
+"Oh, dear Ferrers," said Louis, gazing earnestly in Ferrers' face,
+"if you _do_ want to be better, come to our Saviour, and He will
+make you all you want to be. It is the feeling of His goodness,
+and the happy hope of being God's children, and having all their
+sins forgiven, that make all God's people so happy; and you may have
+this happiness too, if you will. I do not think we think enough of our
+great name of Christian."
+
+"You read your Bible a great deal, Louis, don't you?"
+
+"Not so much as I ought," replied Louis, blushing, "but I love it
+very much."
+
+"It always seems to me such a dull book, I am always very glad when
+our daily reading's over."
+
+"I remember when I thought something in the same way," said Louis:
+"only mamma used always to explain things so pleasantly, that even
+then I used to like to hear her read it to us. Papa once said to me
+that the Bible is like a garden of flowers, through which a careless
+person may walk, and notice nothing, but that one who is really anxious
+to find flowers or herbs to cure his disease, will look carefully till
+he finds what he wants, and that some happy and eager seekers will find
+pleasure in all."
+
+"Louis, you are very happy," said Ferrers, "though very strange.
+I would give a world, were it mine, to lay this heavy burden of mine
+down somewhere, and be as light in disgrace as you are."
+
+Ferrers sighed deeply, and Louis said softly, "'Come unto Him all ye
+that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. His yoke is easy and
+His burden is light.'"
+
+Here they parted. The last whispers of the Saviour's gracious invitation,
+those "comfortable words," lingered in Ferrers' ears as he entered the
+house, and returned at night; but he did not throw himself and his burden
+at the Saviour's feet. And what hindered him? It was pride, pride--though
+forced to feel himself a sinner, pride still retained its hold, more
+feebly than before, but still as a giant.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+The holidays were fast approaching. Ten days of the three weeks'
+examination had passed, and every energy was exerted, and every
+feeling of emulation called out, among those who had any hope of
+obtaining the honors held out to the successful candidates. It was
+surprising to see what could be, and what was, done. Even idle boys
+who had let their fair amount of talent lie dormant during the half
+year, now came forth, and, straining every nerve, were seen late and
+early at work which should have been gradually mastered during the
+last five months; denying themselves both recreation and sleep, with
+an energy, which, had it been earlier exerted in only half the degree,
+would have been highly laudable. Some of the latter, who possessed
+great talent, were successful, but generally the prizes fell to the
+lot of those who had throughout been uniformly steady, and who had
+gained an amount of thorough information which the eager study of a
+few weeks could not attain. Now there were beating hearts and anxious
+faces, and noisy summing up of the day's successes or losses, when the
+daily close of school proclaimed a truce to the emulous combatants.
+A few there were who appeared totally indifferent as to the issue of
+the contest, and who hailed the term of examination as entailing no set
+tasks to be said the ensuing day under certain penalties, and, revelling
+in extended play-hours, cared nothing for disgrace, having no character
+to lose.
+
+Reginald bid fair to carry off all, or nearly all, the second-class
+honors; still, there were in his class several whose determined
+efforts and talents gave him considerable work in winning the battle.
+
+Amongst all this spirited warfare, it is not to be supposed
+that Louis was tranquil; for, though naturally of an indolent
+temperament, there was in him a fund of latent emulation, which
+only wanted a stimulus such as the present to rouse him to action.
+Louis was a boy of no mean ability, and now, fired with the hope of
+distinguishing himself, and gaining a little honor that might efface
+the remembrance of past idleness, and give some pleasure to his dear
+parents, he applied himself so diligently and unremittingly to his
+studies during the last month, as to astonish his masters.
+
+I do not mean to particularize the subjects for examination given by
+Dr. Wilkinson to the two upper classes, for this simple reason, that
+my classical and mathematical ignorance might cause mistakes more
+amusing to the erudite reader than pleasant to the author. It shall
+be sufficient to say, that whatever these subjects had been, the day's
+examination had gone through in a manner equally creditable to masters
+and pupils; and after a few turns in the fresh air when tea was over,
+a knot, comprising the greater part of the above-mentioned classes,
+assembled round their head man to congratulate him on his undoubted
+successes, and to talk over the events of the day elsewhere. Reginald
+and Louis could spare little time for talking, and were walking up and
+down the playground, questioning and answering each other with the most
+untiring diligence, though both of them had been up since four o'clock
+that morning. There were a few who had risen still earlier, and who now
+lay fast asleep on forms in the school-room, or endeavored to keep their
+eyes open by following the example of our hero and his brother.
+
+"John's fast asleep," said Salisbury, laughing; "he has a capital way
+of gaining time--by getting up at half-past three, and falling asleep
+at seven."
+
+"How does he stand for the prizes?" asked Smith.
+
+"I'm sure I can't tell you; I suppose Mortimer's sure of the first
+classics and history--and he ought, for he's coming to us next half.
+John's next to him."
+
+"I hear little Mortimer's winning laurels," remarked Trevannion.
+
+"Oh! for _him_," said Harris, a second-class boy, "because he's
+been such a dunce before;--I suspect Ferrers helps him."
+
+"Ferrers!" cried all at once, and there was a laugh--"Do you hear,
+Ferrers?"
+
+"Of course I do," replied Ferrers.
+
+"He's not good-natured enough," remarked another.
+
+"He needs no help," said Ferrers.
+
+"You're sure of the mathematical prize, Ferrers; and Hamilton,
+of course, gets that for Latin composition."
+
+Ferrers did not reply--his thoughts had flown to Louis, from whom they
+were now seldom absent; and, though he had been generally successful,
+yet the settled gloom and anxiety of his manner led many to suppose
+that he entertained fears for the issue of his examination. There were
+others who imagined that there was some deeper cause of anxiety preying
+on his mind, or that he was suffering from illness and fatigue--and one
+or two made mysterious remarks on his intimacy with Louis, and wondered
+what all foreboded.
+
+"I wonder who'll get the medal," said one.
+
+"Hamilton, of course," replied Smith.
+
+"You're out there," said Frank Digby. "My magic has discovered that
+either the Lady Louisa or myself will obtain it. I admire your
+selfishness, young gentlemen--you assign to yourselves every thing,
+and leave us out of the question. If I can't be a genius, I mean to
+be a good boy."
+
+Many bitter remarks were then made on Louis' late good behavior, and a
+few upon his manner towards Ferrers, which, by some, was styled meanness
+of the highest degree.
+
+Ferrers could not endure it--he left the circle and walked about the
+playground alone, full of remorse, thinking over every plan he had
+formed for making amends to Louis for all. He looked up once or twice
+with a gasping effort, and, oh! in the wrinkled and contracted forehead
+what trouble might be read. "Oh! that it were a dream," he at last
+uttered, "that I could wake and find it a warning."
+
+There was a soft, warm hand in his, and Louis' gentle voice replied,
+"Do not grieve now about me, Ferrers, it will soon be over."
+
+Ferrers started and drew his hand away.
+
+"You are not angry with me, are you?" said Louis; "I saw you alone,
+and I was afraid you wanted comfort--I did not like to come before,
+for fear the boys should make remarks, Reginald especially."
+
+Ferrers looked at Louis a minute without speaking, and then, pushing
+him off, walked quickly to the house, and did not show himself any more
+that evening.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Breakfast had long been finished, and the school was once more
+assembled; the second class was waiting impatiently on the raised
+end of the school-room for the doctor's entrance, or for a summons
+to his presence; and near, at their several desks, busily writing
+answers to a number of printed questions, sat the first class. It
+was nearly an hour past the time, and impatient eyes were directed
+to the clock over the folding-doors, which steadily marked the
+flying minutes.
+
+"Where can the doctor be?" had been asked many times already,
+but no one could answer.
+
+"We shall have no time--we shall not get done before night,"
+muttered several malcontents. "What can keep the doctor?"
+
+At this moment the folding-doors were quickly flung open, and
+Dr. Wilkinson entered, and rapidly made his way towards the upper
+end of the school-room, but in such a state of unwonted agitation
+that the boys were by common consent hushed into silence, and every
+occupation was suspended to watch their master's movements. "How
+strange he looks!" whispered one; "something's the matter."
+Dr. Wilkinson took no notice of the open eyes and mouths of his
+awe-struck pupils--all his aim seemed to be to reach his seat with
+the greatest speed.
+
+"What's the row?" muttered Salisbury, in an under-tone to Hamilton,
+having some idea that the latter could afford a clue to the clearing
+up of the mystery. "Do you know of any thing, Hamilton?" Hamilton
+shook his head, and fairly stood up to see what was going on.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson at length reached his place, and there stood a few
+minutes to collect himself. He then looked around, and asked, in a
+quick, low tone, for Louis Mortimer. Louis was almost behind him,
+and in some terror presented himself; though he was unconscious of
+any misdemeanor, he did not know what new suspicion might have attached
+to him. His gentle "Here, sir," was distinctly heard in every part of
+the large room, in the breathless silence which now ruled. Dr. Wilkinson
+looked on him, but there was no anger in his gaze--his eyes glistened,
+and though there might be indignation mixed with the many emotions
+struggling for expression in his countenance, Louis felt, as he raised
+his timid eyes, that there was nothing now to fear. The doctor seemed
+incapable of speaking; after one or two vain efforts he placed both
+hands on Louis' head, and uttered a deep "God bless you!"
+
+It would be impossible to describe the flood of rapture which this
+action poured upon poor Louis. The endurance of the last few weeks was
+amply repaid by the consciousness that somehow--and he did not consider
+how--his innocence was established, and now, in the presence of his
+school-fellows, publicly acknowledged.
+
+For another minute Dr. Wilkinson stood with both hands resting on the
+head of his gentle pupil, then, removing one, he placed it under Louis'
+chin, and turned the glowing face up to himself and smiled--such a smile
+none remembered ever to have seen on that stern face.
+
+"Have you found all out, sir?" cried Reginald, starting forward.
+
+The doctor's hand motioned him back, and turning Louis round, so as
+to face the school, he said in a distinct, yet excited manner,
+
+"Young gentlemen, we have been doing a wrong unconsciously, and I,
+as one of the first, am anxious to make to the subject of it the only
+reparation in my power, by declaring to you all that Louis Mortimer
+is entirely innocent of the offence with which he was charged; and
+I am sure I may say in the name of you all, as well as of myself,
+that we are very sorry that he should have suffered so much on
+account of it."
+
+[Illustration: Dr. Wilkinson proclaims Louis innocent.]
+
+There was a hum all around, and many of the lower school who knew
+nothing of the matter, began whispering among themselves. But all
+was hushed directly the doctor resumed his speech.
+
+"There are some among you who are not aware, I believe, to what I allude;
+but those who do know, can bear testimony to the gentle endurance of
+false accusation that Louis Mortimer has exhibited during the whole time
+he has been made to suffer so severely for the fault of another. I cannot
+express my admiration of his conduct--conduct which I am sure has had
+for its foundation the fear and love of God. Stay, gentlemen," said
+the doctor, stilling with a motion of his hand the rising murmur of
+approbation, "all is not yet told. This patient endurance might be
+lauded as an unusual occurrence, were there nothing more--but there
+is more. Louis Mortimer might have produced proofs of his innocence
+and cleared himself in the eyes of us all."
+
+"Louis!" exclaimed Reginald, involuntarily.
+
+Louis' head was down as far as his master's hand would allow it, and deep
+crimson blushes passed quickly over the nearly tearful face--and now the
+remembrance of Ferrers, poor Ferrers, who had surely told all. Louis felt
+very sorry for him, and almost ashamed on his own account. He wished he
+could get behind his master, but that was impossible, and he stood still,
+as the doctor continued, "Three weeks ago Louis discovered that a little
+boy was in the study on the day when Kenrick's Key was abstracted, who
+could, of course, bring the desired information--the information which
+would have righted him in all our eyes; but mark--you who are ready to
+revenge injuries--because this would have involved the expulsion of one
+who had deeply injured him, he has never, by sign or word, made known to
+any one the existence of such information, persuading the little boy also
+to keep the secret; and this, which from him I should never have learned,
+I have just heard from the guilty person, who, unable to bear the remorse
+of his own mind, has voluntarily confessed his sin and Louis' estimable
+conduct. Young gentlemen, I would say to all of you, 'GO AND DO LIKEWISE.'"
+
+During this speech, Reginald had hardly been able to control himself,
+especially when he found that Louis had never mentioned his knowledge
+to himself; and now he sprang forward, unchecked by the doctor, and,
+seizing his brother, who was immediately released, asked, "Why did you
+not tell me, Louis? How was it I never guessed?"
+
+While he spoke, there was a buz of inquiry at the lower end of the
+school, and those who knew the story crowded eagerly up to the dais
+to speak to Louis. Alfred's voice was very distinct, for he had worked
+himself up to his brother:
+
+"Edward, tell me all about it. I'm sure if I'd known I'd have told.
+I didn't know why Louis was so joyful."
+
+Edward could answer nothing: his heart was as full as the doctor's, and
+with almost overflowing eyes and a trembling step, he pushed his way to
+Louis, who had thrown himself on Reginald and was sobbing violently.
+
+"Louis, I'm very sorry," said one. "Louis, you'll forgive me--I'm sure
+I beg pardon," said other voices; and others added, "How good you are!--I
+shouldn't have done it."
+
+Louis raised his head from that dear shoulder, so often the place where
+it had rested in his troubles, and said, amidst his sobs,
+
+"Oh! don't praise me. I was very unwilling to do it."
+
+"Let him alone," said the doctor. "Reginald, take him up stairs.
+Gentlemen, I can do nothing more, nor you neither, I think, to-day.
+I shall give you a holiday for the remainder of it."
+
+There was a lull in the noise as Dr. Wilkinson spoke, but just as Louis
+was going out, there arose a deafening cheer, three times repeated, and
+then the boys picked up their books and hurried out of doors.
+
+Louis' heart was full of gratitude, but at the same time it was
+sobered by the recollection of what Ferrers must now suffer, and the
+doubt he felt respecting his fate; and as soon as he had recovered
+himself, he sought the doctor to beg pardon for him.
+
+"As he has voluntarily confessed his fault, I shall not expel him,"
+replied the doctor; "but I intend that he shall beg your pardon before
+the school."
+
+Louis, however, pleaded so earnestly that he had already suffered enough,
+and begged as a favor that nothing more might be said, that at length
+Dr. Wilkinson gave way.
+
+The sensation that this event had caused in the school was very great:
+those who had been loudest in condemning Louis, were now the loudest in
+his praise, and most anxious to load him with every honor; and when he
+made his appearance among them with Reginald, whose manly face beamed
+with satisfaction and brotherly pride, he was seized by a party, and
+against his will, chaired round the playground, everywhere greeted by
+loud cheers, with now and then "A groan for Ferrers!"
+
+"Louis, my man, you look sorrowful," said Hamilton, as he was landed
+at last on the threshold of the school-room door.
+
+"No, no," said Salisbury, who had been foremost in the rioting;
+"cheer up, Louis--what's the matter?"
+
+"I am afraid," said Louis, turning away.
+
+"Afraid! of what old boy?" said Salisbury. "Come, out with it."
+
+"I am afraid you will make me think too much of what ought not to be
+thought of at all--you are all very kind, but--"
+
+"Nonsense!" exclaimed Salisbury; "we're all so vexed that we have been
+such bears, and we want to make it up."
+
+"I am sure I do not think any thing about it now," said Louis, holding
+out both his hands and shaking all by turns; "I am very happy. Will you
+let me ask one thing of you?"
+
+"A hundred," was the reply; "and we'll fly on Mercury's pennons to do
+your bidding."
+
+"Put a girdle round the earth in forty minutes," said Frank Digby.
+
+"When poor Ferrers comes among us, for my sake, do not take any notice
+of what has happened."
+
+There was a dark cloud on the faces before Louis, and Hamilton's lip
+trembled with scorn. No reply was made.
+
+"I am the only one who has any thing to forgive; please promise me to
+leave him alone."
+
+"Then," said Salisbury, abruptly, "whenever he comes in, I walk out,
+for I can't sit in the same room and be civil.
+
+"I shan't be particularly inclined to favor him with my discourse,"
+said Frank; "so I promise to leave him alone."
+
+"Will you try to be the same as you were before? Do!" said Louis.
+
+"That's impossible!" they all cried; "we _cannot_, Louis."
+
+"If you only knew how unhappy he has been, you would pity him very much,"
+said Louis, sorrowfully. "He has been so very sad--and do not talk of
+this to other people, please. I should be so much more happy if you
+would try to be the same to him."
+
+"All we can promise, is not to notice it, Louis," said Hamilton;
+"and now, don't be sad any longer."
+
+Yet Louis was sad and anxious; though now and then a thought that all
+was clear, darted like a sunbeam across his mind, and called forth a
+grateful emotion. He longed for the holidays to come,--the favor he was
+in was almost painful.
+
+Ferrers was invisible till the next evening, when he joined his
+class-fellows at prayers. In spite of the half-promise Louis had
+obtained from them, a studied unconsciousness of his presence, and
+a chilling coldness, greeted him. Louis alone stood by him, and looked
+in the deadly white countenance by him with heartfelt sympathy and
+compassion; and glanced at several of his companions to remind them
+of his wish. Ferrers seemed hardly the same; the proud, bullying air of
+arrogance had given place to a saddened, subdued despair; and yet his
+expression was far more pleasing in its humility than the natural one.
+
+One or two, noticing Louis' anxiety, addressed him civilly, and even
+wished him "Good-night!" which he did not return by more than an
+inclination of the head. He expected no pity, and had nerved himself
+to bear the scorn he had brought on himself; but any attention was a
+matter of surprise to him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Wearily and joylessly had the last week of the examination passed away
+for Ferrers; although in one branch he had borne away the palm from all
+competitors. His confession had, in some measure, atoned for his great
+fault, in the eyes of his judicious master; for, however much it called
+for the severest reprehension, the fact of the mind not being hardened
+to all sense of shame and right feeling, made the doctor anxious to
+improve his better feelings; and, instead of driving them all away by
+ill-timed severity, considering how lamentably the early training of
+Ferrers had been neglected, he endeavored, after the first emotion
+of indignation had passed away, to rouse the fallen youth to a
+sense of honor and Christian responsibility; and sought to excite,
+as far as he was able, some feeling of compassion for him among his
+school-fellows.
+
+There were, however, few among them who had learned the Christian
+duty of bearing one another's burdens; few among them, who, because
+circumstances over which they had had no control, had placed them out
+of the temptations that had overcome their penitent school-fellow, did
+not esteem themselves better than he, and look scornfully upon him, as
+though they would say with the proud Pharisee of old, "Stand by, for
+I am holier than thou!" And is it not the case around us generally?
+Alas! how apt we are all to condemn our fellow-creatures; forgetting
+that, had we been throughout similarly situated, our course might have
+been the same, or even worse. "Who is it that has made us to differ
+from another?"
+
+Louis, as I have mentioned, felt very deeply for Ferrers; for, besides
+their late close connection, had he not known what it was to suffer for
+sin? He knew what it was to carry about a heavy heart, and to wake in the
+morning as if life had no joy to give; and he knew, too, what it was to
+lay his sins at a Saviour's feet, and to take the light yoke upon him.
+How anxious was he to lead his fellow-sinner there! Though his simple
+efforts seemed impotent at the time, years after, when his school-fellow
+had grown a steady and useful Christian, he dated his first serious
+impressions to this time of disgrace; and the remembrance of Louis'
+sweet conduct was often before him.
+
+Louis' mind had been so chastened by his previous adversity that his
+present prosperity was meekly though thankfully borne. It came like
+sunshine after showers, cheering and refreshing his path, but not
+too powerful; for he was gradually learning more and more, to fear
+any thing that had a tendency to draw his mind to rest complacently
+on himself.
+
+But the prize-day came--the joyful breaking-up-day--the day that was
+to bring his dear parents; and of all the bounding hearts, there were
+none more so than those of the two brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer had
+given their boys reason to expect them in the afternoon of that day,
+and they were to go from Clifton to Heronhurst before returning home.
+
+Although Dr. Wilkinson's breaking-up-day was not ostensibly a public
+day, yet so many of the pupils' friends claimed admittance to the
+hall on the occasion, that it became so in fact, and was usually very
+respectably attended. Many of the doctor's old pupils came, to recall
+their old feelings, by a sight of this most memorable exhibition. And
+on this day, Vernon Digby was present with a younger brother, not to
+witness Frank's triumph, for that young gentleman had none to boast of,
+but to look on the theatre of his former fame, and to see how his place
+was now filled.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson's high desk had been removed from the dais, and in
+its place stood a long table covered with a red cloth, on which were
+arranged a number of handsomely bound books of different sizes; and in
+front of the dais, in a semicircular form, were placed the rows of seats
+for the boys. On each side of this semicircle, and behind and parallel
+with Dr. Wilkinson's seat, was accommodation for the spectators. The
+room was in the most inviting order, and had been hung with garlands
+of flowers by the boys. At eleven o'clock the pupils assembled, and
+under the inspection of two of the under masters, seated themselves in
+the places assigned them, the little boys being placed in the front row.
+
+As the exact fate of each was unknown, though tolerably accurately
+guessed, there was much anxiety. Some of the youths were quite silent
+and pale, others endeavored to hide their agitation by laughing and
+talking quietly, and some affected to consider their nearest companion
+as more sure than themselves. Even Hamilton was not free from a little
+nervousness, and though he talked away to Vernon Digby, who was sitting
+by him, he cast more than one fidgety glance at the red-covered table,
+and perceptibly changed color when the class-room door opened to allow
+the long train of ladies and gentlemen to enter, and closed after
+Dr. Wilkinson, and a few of his particular friends, among whom were
+two great scholars who had assisted in the examination of the past week.
+
+When every one was comfortably settled, Dr. Wilkinson leaned forward
+over the table, and drew a paper towards him. His preliminary "hem" was
+the signal for many fidgety motions on the forms in front of him, and
+every eye was riveted on him as he prefaced his distribution of the
+prizes by a short statement of his general satisfaction, and a slight
+notice of those particular points in which he could desire improvement.
+He then spoke of his pleasure at the report his friends had made of
+the proficiency of the upper classes, and particularly alluding to the
+first class, stopped and mentioned by name those who had especially
+distinguished themselves. Among these, as a matter of course, Hamilton
+stood foremost, and carried away the prize for Latin composition, as
+well as another. Ferrers gained that for mathematics--and two other
+prizes were awarded to the next in order. Dr. Wilkinson mentioned
+Frank Digby as having taken so high a place during the examination,
+as to induce one of the gentlemen who assisted him to consider him
+entitled to one of the classical prizes; but the doctor added that
+Frank Digby's indifference and idleness during the term had made him
+so unwilling that he should, by mere force of natural ability, deprive
+his more industrious class-fellows of a hard-earned honor, that he had
+not felt himself justified in listening to the recommendation, but
+hoped that his talents would, the following term, be exerted from the
+beginning, in which case, he should have pleasure in awarding to him
+the meed of successful application.
+
+Frank colored, half angrily, but said, _sotto voce_,
+
+"I don't care--I just like to see whether I can't do as well as any one
+else without fagging."
+
+Vernon was half provoked and half amused at his brother's discomfiture.
+
+Then came Reginald's turn, and he carried off three out of the
+four prizes of his class, leaving one for John Salisbury.
+
+As each one was called up to receive his reward, an immense clapping
+and stamping took place, and Louis, all exuberance, stamped most
+vigorously when his brother and his particular friends went up. There
+were very slight manifestations when poor Ferrers was summoned, but
+Louis exerted himself so manfully in the applauding department, that
+the contagion spread a little before the despised recipient was seated.
+
+The other classes were taken in order; and when all was finished,
+Dr. Wilkinson took up a little morocco case, and, after clearing his
+throat once or twice, began anew:
+
+"There remains now but one reward to be assigned, but it is the greatest
+of all, though undoubtedly that one which it is the most difficult to
+adjudge rightly. It is the medal for good conduct. Hitherto it has been
+my practice never to give it to any one who has not been with me the
+whole term, but on the present occasion I am inclined to depart from
+my custom in favor of a young gentleman whose conduct has been most
+praiseworthy, though he has only been with me since Easter. Before
+adjudging it, I will, however, appeal to the young gentlemen themselves,
+and ask them who they think among them is the most deserving of this
+honor?"
+
+Dr. Wilkinson paused, and immediately a shout, led by Hamilton, arose,
+of "Louis Mortimer."
+
+"I expected it," said the doctor, with a smile: "Louis Mortimer
+has been placed, perhaps, in a situation in the school a little
+beyond him, and has, therefore, made no great figure in the
+examination, but of his conduct I can speak in the highest terms,
+and believe that his sense of duty is so strong that he only wants
+the conviction that it is his duty to exert himself a little more,
+to make him for the future as habitually industrious as he has been
+during the last six weeks.--Louis Mortimer!"
+
+Almost overcome with astonishment and delight, Louis hardly understood
+the summons, but Reginald whispered, "Go, Louis, the doctor calls you,"
+and all made way for him with the most pleasant looks of sympathy and
+congratulation. His modesty and elegance prepossessed the spectators
+greatly in his favor, as he passed timidly along the ranks to the table.
+Dr. Wilkinson smiled kindly on him as he delivered the bright silver
+medal, in its claret-colored case, saying as he did so,
+
+"I have the greatest pleasure in giving this to you, and trust that you
+will be encouraged, when you look on it, to go on as you have begun."
+
+Louis was covered with blushes--he bowed, and as he turned away, the
+most deafening applause greeted him; and, as the last prize was now
+given, the boys left their seats and mingled among the company. Louis
+was drawn immediately into a little coterie, composed of Hamilton,
+Reginald, his three cousins, and one or two others, all of whom
+congratulated him upon his distinction.
+
+"And so, Louis, you are the hero," said Vernon; "and what is the
+drama in which you have been acting so much to your credit?"
+
+"Too long a tale to tell now," replied Hamilton, smiling on Louis;
+"we will talk over it by and by. We have been treating him very ill,
+Digby, but next half-year we shall understand him better--shall we
+not, Louis?"
+
+Louis was so full of delight that he could hardly speak--it was
+especially a happy moment to stand before his cousin Vernon with
+a right fame and well-established character.
+
+"I said my magic knew who would gain the medal," said Frank.
+
+"But your magic did not anticipate such magnificent honors for
+yourself, I imagine," said Vernon.
+
+"I was a little out," said Frank, carelessly; "for it has proved that
+Lady Louisa has all the goodness, and I the genius. My head is quite
+overloaded with the laurels Fudge heaped on me: I shan't be able to
+hold it up these holidays."
+
+"A good thing that something will press it down: it is generally high
+enough," remarked Hamilton.
+
+"How delighted father and mother will be to hear of your industry!"
+said Vernon.
+
+"I am sure," replied the incorrigible youth, "they ought to be proud of
+having a son too clever to win the prizes. Louis, it puts me in mind
+of the man in your tale, who had to bind his legs for fear he should
+outrun the hares. I am, however, heartily glad for you, and amazingly
+sorry we should have so misunderstood you."
+
+"Louis Mortimer," cried a little boy, very smartly dressed, "mamma
+wants to look at your medal--will you come and show it to her?"
+
+"And go off, Reginald, with him, and tell Lady Stanhope all the news,"
+said Vernon, as Louis went away with little Stanhope; "I will come and
+pay my respects as soon as it is convenient for me to be aware of her
+ladyship's presence."
+
+Louis' medal was examined and passed from hand to hand, and many
+compliments were made on the occasion. Lady Stanhope was very kind,
+and would hear the history, a command Reginald was by no manner of
+means unwilling to obey, though he suppressed the name of the guilty
+party. The doctor was in great request, for many of the ladies were
+very anxious to know more of "that lovely boy," but he was very guarded
+in his accounts of the matter, though bearing the strongest testimony
+to Louis' good conduct. He turned to Mr. Percy, who was present, and
+said, quietly, "That, sir, is the boy you mentioned to me at Easter;
+the son of Mr. Mortimer, of Dashwood."
+
+The excitement was almost too much for Louis, tried as he had been
+lately by unusual fagging and early rising. He was glad to get away
+into the playground, and after watching one or two departures he ran
+wildly about, now and then laughing aloud in his delight, "Oh! papa and
+mamma, how glad they will be!" and then the well-spring of deep gladness
+seemed to overflow, and the excess of happiness and gratitude made him
+mute. His heart swelled with emotions too great for any words; a deep
+sense of mercies and goodness of which he was unworthy, but for which
+he felt as if he could have poured out his being in praise. Oh the
+blessing of a thankful heart! How happy is he who sees his Father's
+hand in every thing that befalls him, and in whom each mercy calls
+forth a gush of gratitude!
+
+    "Ten thousand thousand precious gifts
+       My daily thanks employ;
+     Nor is the least a thankful heart,
+       To taste those gifts with joy."
+                                    ADDISON.
+
+The playground was empty, for the boys were either engaged with their
+friends, or else departing; and Louis, from his little nook, saw many
+vehicles of different descriptions drive away from the door. When the
+dinner-bell rang he re-entered the house, but the dinner-table looked
+very empty--there was not half the usual party.
+
+"Where have you been, Louis?" asked Reginald, as he entered; "I have
+been looking everywhere for you. Hamilton was quite vexed to go away
+without bidding you goodbye, and he begged me to do it for him."
+
+"I am very sorry, indeed," said Louis; "I have been in the playground.
+Reginald, does it not make you feel very pleasant to see the heap of
+boxes in the hall? I stood a long time looking at our directions."
+
+"I am almost cracked," cried Reginald, joyously;--
+
+    "'Midsummer's coming again, my boys,
+      Jolly Midsummer and all its joys!'"
+
+How far Reginald's reminiscences of his holiday song might have
+continued, I cannot pretend to say, had it not been interrupted by
+a desire from the presiding master, that "he would recollect himself,
+and where he was;" but order was out of the question, most of the party
+being in Reginald's condition--and, after several useless appeals to
+the sense of gentlemanly decorum proper to be observed by the noisy
+party, Mr. Witworth found his best plan would be to let every thing
+pass that did not absolutely interfere with the business in hand, and,
+dinner being over, the ill-mannered troop dispersed. Several of them,
+among whom were Reginald and Louis, stopped in the hall to feast their
+eyes on the piles of trunks and portmanteaus; and Reginald discovered
+that a direction was wanting on one of theirs; "And I declare, Louis,
+see what Frank has been doing."
+
+Louis laughed, as he perceived that one of the directions on his luggage
+was altered to "Lady Louisa Mortimer," and ran away to rectify it. When
+he returned, the party in the hall was considerably enlarged, and Ferrers
+came towards him to wish him good-bye. "Good-bye, Louis, I am coming back
+next half-year," he said, in a low tone; "and you must help me to regain
+my character." Louis squeezed his hand, and promised to write to him,
+though he hoped, he said, that he should not come back himself; and when
+Ferrers left the hall, the business of affixing the necessary directions
+went on very busily. Reginald was in a state of such overflowing delight,
+as to be quite boisterous, and now and then burst out into snatches of
+noisy songs, rendered remarkably effective by an occasional squeak and
+grunt, which proclaimed his voice to be rather unmanageable.
+
+"Now, Louis, here's a piece of string, and my knife.
+
+    'Christmas is coming again, my boys!'"
+
+"_Christmas_, Reginald--Midsummer!" cried Louis, laughing.
+
+"Well then, ah, well! tie it tight.
+
+      'Midsummer's coming again, my boys,
+        Jolly Midsummer, and all its joys;
+        And we're all of us cracked, so we'll kick up a noise.
+    _Chorus_. Ri-toorul-loor, rul-loor, rul-loor-rul. Hip, hip, hurrah!
+        Hollo!'"
+
+The sensible chorus was shouted at the utmost pitch of the voices
+of the assembled youths, who waved hats, hands, and handkerchiefs,
+during the process.
+
+"Bravissimo!" exclaimed Reginald, quite red with his exertions, and
+beaming with excitement. "But my beautiful voice is very unruly; the
+last few times I have tried to sing, it has been quite disobedient.
+I think it must be cracked, at last."
+
+"Are you not pleased?" said Louis, archly.
+
+"Not particularly," replied Reginald.
+
+"You said you should be, last Christmas. Do you remember the ladies
+at grandpapa's?"
+
+"Well, there is that comfort at any rate," said Reginald, "we shan't
+have any more of their humbug; but think of the dear old madrigals,
+and--it's no laughing matter, Mr. Louis, for all your fun."
+
+"Acknowledge, then, that you spoke rashly, when you said you should
+be glad of it," said Louis, who was full of merriment at his brother's
+misfortune.
+
+And now Vernon, Arthur, and Frank Digby pressed forward, to bid good-bye.
+
+As Vernon shook Louis' hand, he said, "I shall see you at Heronhurst,
+I suppose."
+
+"I suppose _I_ mustn't dare to go," said Frank.
+
+"And now I shall go and gather some of those white roses by the wall,
+for mamma," said Louis. "I hope it won't be very long, Reginald, they
+must be here soon--oh, how delightful it will be!"
+
+Louis ran off, and succeeded in finding a few half-blown roses for his
+dear mother, and was engaged in carefully cutting off the thorns, when
+one of his school-fellows ran up to him, and called out that his father
+and mother were come.
+
+"Papa and mamma! Where's Reginald?" he cried, and flew over the
+playground without waiting for an answer. "Where are papa and mamma?
+Where is Reginald?" he cried, as he ran into the hall. His hurried
+question was as quickly answered; and Louis, jumping over the many
+packages, made his way to the drawing-room. Here were his dear father
+and mother, with Dr. Wilkinson. Reginald had been in the room several
+minutes; and when Louis entered, was standing by his mother, whose arm
+was round him, and close behind him stood his father.
+
+"My Louis!" was his mother's affectionate greeting, and the next moment
+he was in her arms, his own being clasped tightly round her neck, and he
+could only kiss her in speechless joy, at first; and then, when the kind
+arms that strained him to her bosom were loosened, there was his dear
+father, and then words came, and as he looked with flashing eyes and
+crimsoned cheek, from one to the other, he exclaimed, "Oh, mamma! I
+have a medal--mamma, it is all come out! Papa, I am innocent; I have
+a character now! Oh, dear mamma, I said it would--I am quite cleared!"
+
+His head sank on his father's shoulder; a strange, dull sound in his
+head overpowered him; a slight faintness seemed to blow over his face;
+his eyes were fixed and glassy, and he became unconscious. Mr. Mortimer
+changed color, and hastily catching the falling boy, he carried him to
+the sofa. Dr. Wilkinson sent Reginald immediately for some water, but
+before he could return, and almost before Mrs. Mortimer could raise her
+dear boy's head from the pillow to her shoulder, the color came again,
+and his eyes resumed their natural expression.
+
+"What was the matter, my darling?" said his mother, kissing him.
+
+"I don't know, mamma," replied Louis, sitting up. "I only felt giddy,
+and something like a little wind in my face."
+
+"I think he has been overwrought," said Dr. Wilkinson, kindly; "he has
+gone through a great deal lately. We will take him up stairs and let
+him lie down; I think he wants a little quiet."
+
+"I am quite well now," said Louis.
+
+"I will sit by your side; you had better go up stairs, dear,"
+said his mother.
+
+Louis yielded, and Mr. Mortimer assisted him up stairs, despite his
+declarations that he was quite strong and well, and, being laid on a
+bed, Mrs. Mortimer stationed herself by his side.
+
+All they said I have not time to relate, but long Louis lay with his
+mother's hand in both of his, telling her of the events of the last
+two months, and often she bent her head down and kissed his broad
+forehead and flushed cheek; and when she would not let him talk any
+more, he lay very passively, his eyes filling with grateful tears,
+and now and then in the overflowing of his heart, raising them to
+his mother, with "Mamma, thank God for me. Oh, how very grateful
+I ought to be!"
+
+At length he fell asleep, and his mother sat still, watching the quiet
+face, and the glittering tear-drop that trembled on his eyelash, and
+she too felt that her mercies were very great--she did thank God for
+him, and for herself.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+  "Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues
+   of life."--Prov. iv. 23.
+
+
+After a long and tedious journey Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer, with their two
+boys, reached Heronhurst, where they met with the affectionate welcome
+usually given by Sir George and Lady Vernon to all so nearly related to
+them. The castle was full of visitors, amongst whom were Lady Digby and
+her two eldest daughters, and many young people--personages grandmamma
+never forgot in the holidays, however unimportant they may appear in the
+eyes of some. Children liked to come to Heronhurst, for there was always
+so much mirth and amusement, and Lady Vernon was so remarkably clever
+in arranging pleasant pic-nics and excursions. Vernon and Frank Digby
+arrived the same day as Mr. Mortimer, a few hours before him, and as
+Vernon had announced the fact of Louis' having gained the medal, every
+one was prepared to receive our hero with due honor.
+
+It was with no little satisfaction that Louis felt in the hearty shake of
+the hand, and the kind tone, that he was now more than re-established in
+his grandfather's good opinion. Had it not been for the salutary effects
+of his former disgrace, and the long trial he had lately undergone, there
+would have been great danger now of his falling into some open fault,
+for he was praised so much by his kind relations, and flattered by the
+company, and his medal had so often to be exhibited, that it needed much
+that in himself he did not possess, to guard him from falling into the
+error of imagining himself to be already perfect.
+
+It was settled that there was to be a fete on the 27th, which some of
+my readers may remember was Louis' birthday; and Sir George, anxious
+to efface from his grandson's memory any painful reminiscences of the
+last, arranged the order of things much in the same manner, taking care
+that Louis' proteges, the school-children, should not be forgotten.
+
+This news had just been communicated to Louis by his grandfather, with
+many expressions of commendation, and he was in a state of complacent
+self-gratulation, that feeling which would have led him to say, "By
+the strength of my hand I have done this;" instead of, "My strength
+will I ascribe unto the Lord," when a kind, soft hand, glittering with
+rings, was laid upon his arm, and the pleasant voice of his old friend
+Mrs. Paget greeted him.
+
+"So, Master Louis, we are to have a fete, I hear. Are you really
+fourteen on the 27th? Come and sit down and tell me all about your
+school. I knew you would soon be a favorite. What's all this long
+story that everybody talks of and nobody knows? I said I would ask
+you, the most proper person to know it; and I know you will tell me
+the secret."
+
+"It is no secret, ma'am," said Louis; "I would rather not talk of it."
+
+"Just like your own modest little self: and it might not be kind to tell
+every one all the story, perhaps; but with an old friend like me, you
+know you are safe."
+
+"But, ma'am, you might forget when every one is talking--"
+
+Louis stopped and colored, for he thought it seemed rather conceited to
+imagine every one must be talking of him, and he corrected himself,
+
+"At least, dear Mrs. Paget, I had much rather not, I mean."
+
+"You are a dear, kind little boy," said the injudicious lady;
+"I know very well you are afraid of committing that naughty
+school-fellow of yours. I can't understand about the _keys_--I
+heard your brother saying something about them--what keys? Were
+they the keys of the boy's desks?"
+
+Louis could hardly help laughing--"No, ma'am, Kenrick's keys."
+
+"And who is Kenrick--one of the masters?"
+
+"It is a book, ma'am--a key to the Greek exercises."
+
+"Oh, I see--a sort of translation--well, he stole this from
+Dr. Wilkinson, and said you'd done it?"
+
+"No, not that," replied Louis. "He took it out of the study. Some
+of the boys were in the habit of using the keys when they could."
+
+"Well, there was nothing so very terrible in it, poor fellows.
+I dare say the lessons are very hard. I think every boy ought to
+have an English translation of those frightful Latin and Greek books."
+
+Louis opened his eyes and quietly said--
+
+"We think it very dishonorable and unfair, ma'am."
+
+"Well, if I understood all about it, I might too, I dare say.
+I only see a little bit, but of course you know the rules and
+all the rest,--well, was that all?"
+
+"No, ma'am," said Louis, uneasily.
+
+"He said you had taken it, I dare say?"
+
+"Something like it," replied Louis. "He slipped it among my books
+to hide it, ma'am, but not intending to do me any harm; and when
+it was found he was afraid to speak the truth."
+
+"And so you bore the blame--and did you not try to clear yourself?"
+
+"To be sure, ma'am; but he was older and better known than I was,
+and so he was believed."
+
+"And you couldn't help yourself? I thought you bore it out of
+kindness to him."
+
+"Afterwards I found it out, ma'am. I found that Alfred Hamilton
+knew something about it."
+
+"Who is Alfred Hamilton?" asked Mrs. Paget.
+
+"A little boy, ma'am, at school."
+
+"And he found it out--and didn't he tell of it?"
+
+"I did not wish him," replied Louis, with less reserve. "It would
+have been very unkind to poor Ferrers; he would have been expelled.
+Alfred was going to tell, but you would not have wished him to do it,
+I am sure."
+
+Ah Louis, Louis! anxiety for Ferrers' reputation was quite lost in the
+selfish desire of admiration. Mrs. Paget put her arm round him, and her
+kindly eyes nearly overflowed with affectionate emotion, for she, poor
+lady, could only see the surface; the inward workings of the little vain
+heart were hid from her, or she would have been surprised to find under
+the appearance of sweetness and humility, Louis was only thinking of
+seeming lovely and amiable in her eyes.
+
+"No, my darling, I know you could not do any thing unkind--you
+are a sweet, dear creature, and I am sure I love you; and so this
+Master Ferrers never spoke the truth, and you bore the blame?"
+
+"He did at last, ma'am, at the end of the half-year: but it was not
+very long to bear it, only five weeks."
+
+"_Only!_ I wonder you could have done it for so long; Ferrers,
+that was the name, was it?"
+
+"If you please, don't mention it," exclaimed Louis, with unaffected
+earnestness; "I did not mean to say his name. Please, dear Mrs. Paget,
+do not mention it. He is so very sorry, and confessed all so
+handsomely--I think you would like him if you knew all about him,
+for he is not so bad as others make him out to be."
+
+Mrs. Paget had only time to give him a kind of half promise, when she
+was called away; and Louis, left to himself, became aware of the vanity
+his foolish heart had persuaded him was Christian kindness. His enjoyment
+was destroyed that evening, for he was full of anxiety lest Mrs. Paget
+should talk of the matter, and he wandered restlessly about the rooms,
+longing for an opportunity of speaking a kind word for Ferrers, wishing
+vainly that what he had said could be undone. He felt more than ever
+the necessity of keeping a watch over his heart and tongue, and almost
+inclined to despair of ever overcoming the many stumbling-blocks in the
+way of attaining to holiness. Thus, little by little, is the evil of
+our hearts disclosed to us, and the longer the true Christian lives,
+the less he finds to be satisfied with in himself; not that he is
+further removed from holiness, but he has more sight given him to
+know what he really is by nature--and the nearer he arrives to the
+perfect day, the greater is the light to disclose his own deformities,
+and the exceeding loveliness of the righteousness he possesses in
+Jesus his Lord.
+
+Louis, in common with the young visitors at Heronhurst, thought often
+and expectantly of his birthday--and when the morning at last arrived,
+he awoke much earlier than usual, with a strong sensation of some great
+happiness. The light on the blind of his window was not bright, nor
+promising brightness--and when he jumped up and ran to examine the day,
+expressing to his brother his hope that the weather was propitious, he
+found to his dismay that the rain was pouring in torrents, and the dull
+unbroken clouds gave but little promise of a change in the prospect.
+
+"Oh! Reginald, it's raining, raining hard."
+
+"How very provoking!" cried Reginald. "Let me see--there is not much
+hope neither--how exceedingly tiresome--there's an end to our fun--who'd
+have thought it--how VERY--"
+
+"Hush!" said poor Louis, who was very much disappointed, "it is not
+right to say _tiresome_ when it pleases God that the weather shall
+not suit us."
+
+"I can't help it," said Reginald.
+
+"I dare say we shall be very happy. I am most sorry about the
+school-children."
+
+"I don't care a fig about them," said Reginald, impatiently; "there's
+that cricket match, and all."
+
+"What, not the poor little things, Reginald? just think how they have
+been expecting this day--it is quite an event for them, and we have so
+many pleasures: I dare say you will have the cricket the first fine day."
+
+Reginald felt rather ashamed, and yet unwilling to acknowledge himself
+in the wrong; therefore he satisfied himself with remarking, that Louis
+did not like cricket, and he didn't care about the children, and there
+was no difference.
+
+Louis' attention was at that moment attracted by something on the table.
+"Oh! here is something for me, Reginald!--A beautiful new Bible from
+dear papa and mamma--and a church service from grandmamma, and what's
+this?--'_The Lady of the Manor_' from uncle and aunt Clarence;
+how kind, look Reginald! and here's another--a beautiful little red and
+gold book, '_Mrs. Rowe's Poems_,' the book I am so fond of--from
+you: oh! thank you, dear Reginald."
+
+"And many happy returns of the day, dear Louis," said Reginald, who
+had by this time completely recovered his ordinary good-humor.
+
+At the foot of the stairs, when he descended, Louis met some of the
+young party, who hardly waited to offer the compliments of the day
+before they loudly expressed the disappointment felt by each at the
+unfavorable weather. "Raining, raining--nothing but splashing and dark
+clouds--so tiresome, so disappointing--we shall be obliged to stay
+in-doors," sounded round him in different keys as they marched in
+close phalanx to the breakfast-room, where they found Bessie Vernon,
+a little girl of seven years old, kneeling on a chair at the window,
+singing, in the most doleful accents,
+
+    "Rain, rain, go to Spain,
+     And mind you don't come back again."
+
+"Good morning, Bessie," said Louis.
+
+"Oh! Louis, many happy returns. I haven't got a present for you,
+because I hadn't money enough."
+
+"Never mind," said Louis; "I would rather have your love and kisses
+than any present."
+
+"And I will give you many, many kisses," cried the little girl,
+fulfilling her promise in good earnest.
+
+"_My love and a kiss_," said her brother; "that's what Bessie always
+sends at the end of her letters: isn't it, Bessie, _I send you my love
+and a kiss_?"
+
+"Well, I mean it," said Bessie, "and you needn't laugh. I wonder what
+we shall do to-day--dear me--I think, though, there's a little lighter
+bit of sky over the oak."
+
+"Let me see--where are my spectacles?" said Frank.
+
+"Not much hope, I fear," said Sir George's hearty voice behind
+her. "Not much hope, Bessie. What an array of long faces. How do
+you do? Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, I hope I see you in
+health and spirits. A happy birthday, and many of them to you,
+my boy; the rain does not appear to have damped you so much as
+some of your play-fellows--well, Miss Bessie?"
+
+"Grandpapa, grandpapa! what shall we do? you must find some pleasure
+for us," cried Bessie, clinging round her grandfather's knees, and
+looking up very beseechingly in the kind face so far above her.
+
+"Ah, well--we'll see, we'll see--now let me go to breakfast; when that
+important business is dispatched, and grandmamma makes her appearance,
+we will find something to do."
+
+Fortified with this promise, an excellent breakfast was eaten by the
+martyrs to disappointment, and then, after some consultation, it was
+decided that the band should be in attendance in the hall, and a
+messenger should be sent forthwith to command the attendance of the
+school-children at a banquet in the same place, and Lady Vernon was
+of opinion that with charades, a magic lantern, bagatelle, tivoli,
+and dolls, a very merry morning might be spent. The young people then
+dispersed in search of their own peculiar amusements. Some of the young
+men went into the billiard-room, and a few chess parties were formed.
+Some began to act charades for the edification of such among the elders
+as would choose to make an audience. A still larger party adjourned to
+the school-room to play at houses with their dolls, and two tables were
+soon spread with ground plans of three magnificent establishments for
+paper ladies and gentlemen, by three young ladies between the ages of
+twelve and eight, assisted by Mr. Frank Digby.
+
+At one o'clock they went to the hall, where the band was playing a merry
+air. Here a long table was spread, well covered with a nice plain dinner,
+and the school-children came two-and-two into the hall, just after the
+visitors had arrived.
+
+When all were seated, the girls at the upper, and the boys at the
+lower end, Mr. Mortimer came forward and said grace for them, and
+then the viands disappeared with great rapidity. Some of the castle
+children, headed by Louis, asked to be allowed to wait on them, and,
+the permission being given, they made themselves very busy, though
+it must be confessed that they were sometimes sadly in the servants'
+way. Sir George Vernon went round the table very majestically, and
+now and then spoke a word or two to one of the children--words which
+were treasured up in their memories for many a long day, though they
+meant little or nothing; but it is so easy to create a pleasant and
+grateful feeling.
+
+Many of the spectators, including nearly all the gentlemen, had left
+the hall very soon after the commencement of the feast, and now a summons
+was given to the little ones of the castle to their own dinner. Louis,
+not being included in the little ones, went with the school-children
+into a large empty room, and with the help of his father and one or two
+others, exerted himself successfully for their entertainment, until his
+friends joined them, and, the room being darkened, the magic lantern was
+displayed. The humble little guests then, being supplied each with a
+cake and some fruit, returned to their homes, quite delighted with the
+pleasures of the day. Frank and the three young ladies enjoyed an hour's
+amusement during the late dinner; for the good-natured youth had yielded
+to the pressing invitation of the merry little party, and dined with
+them at two, to their great satisfaction, notwithstanding the declaration
+of some, that he was "a great tease."
+
+The great dinner was much earlier than usual, to allow of the ball,
+which began at seven o'clock for the convenience of the younger ones,
+and was continued until eleven, at which time, though he had been very
+happy, Louis was very tired, and could not help thinking, that, after
+all, a whole day of pleasure-seeking in this manner, was very fatiguing
+and unsatisfying. He could hardly keep his eyes open, when Mrs. Paget
+seized him, and after a few compliments on his dancing, insisted upon
+hearing him sing "_Where the bee sucks_."
+
+Louis complied as well as he was able, and though his sleepiness robbed
+his song of some power, its sweetness not only satisfied the flattering
+lady, but a more unscrupulous auditor who stood behind him in the person
+of his grandfather.
+
+"Your mother taught you to sing, Louis?" said he.
+
+"Miss Spencer taught me," replied Louis.
+
+"The mechanism, perhaps, but it's your mother's teaching.
+The taste, madam," said Sir George, turning to Mrs. Paget.
+
+"Both Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer are first-rate amateurs," said Mrs. Paget.
+
+"Mrs. Mortimer has great talent," replied Sir George; "and she has done
+something with this boy. I suppose you are very fond of music, Louis?"
+
+Louis answered in the affirmative, and Sir George added--
+
+"I shall give you a treat. You shall go on Sunday to A----, and hear
+the singing at the church there. The little boys sing very sweetly.
+Have you heard them ma'am?"
+
+"No, I never have."
+
+"Then I think it would be a wise step to pay a visit there during
+divine service next Sunday. The church is worth looking at,--a good
+specimen of the early English style of architecture. We can make up
+a little party to go, if you would like it."
+
+Mrs. Paget expressed her entire approbation of the scheme, and Louis,
+too sleepy to think much of it, wished her and Sir George good night,
+and went to bed.
+
+The next day, the rain continuing, in the morning Louis enjoyed
+_The Lady of the Manor_ in his own room. He was still much excited
+by the yesterday's pleasure, and felt unsettled, and disinclined to
+employ himself steadily with any thing. In the afternoon, as the
+weather was fine, his mother insisted on his taking a walk, and
+Reginald and Vernon Digby accompanied him. They had a great scramble
+through the hilly district that surrounded Heronhurst, and merrily
+the talk (we will not dignify it by the name of conversation) continued.
+As they re-entered the grounds it fell upon the scheme of visiting the
+church, and during the light and common-place discussion that ensued,
+it struck Louis that there might be something wrong in the plan. He
+became very silent, and when he reached his room, quietly thought over
+the matter, and came to the conclusion that, though they intended going
+to church, yet the motives that induced their doing so were not to the
+glory of God, and that to employ servants for such an end, on God's holy
+day, was certainly wrong. This was his first impression; and when he
+next saw Reginald, he told him what he had been thinking of.
+
+"Well, but Louis, you know it won't make any difference whether we go
+or not, and so _we_ shan't engage the servants. I don't see why, because
+you like nice singing, you should go to the chapel where they screech
+so abominably."
+
+Louis was silent, for he hardly liked to oppose his reasons to Reginald's
+blunt speech, and Reginald, dismissing the subject from his mind, began
+to talk of something else. He ran on very volubly for a little while,
+without receiving any interruption from his brother, and, looking at him,
+he saw very plainly that Louis was not paying the slightest attention
+to him.
+
+"What is the matter, Louis? How dull you are!"
+
+"Nothing," replied Louis.
+
+"Nothing?" repeated Reginald; "_Something_, you ought to say. I know you
+are making yourself miserable about this church-going, and what need is
+there? We are going to church, and we can't prevent the carriage going.
+If it were on purpose for us it would be different."
+
+"But there will be a great deal of nonsense, I know," said Louis,
+uneasily. "It seems very much like going to a show place. I hope I
+shall be able to ask mamma about it."
+
+"As to nonsense," replied Reginald, "when do we have any thing else
+here?--you can't make Dashwood of Heronhurst, and I think if you go
+to hear such beautiful singing, it is more likely to put good thoughts
+into your head than those lovely singers here; and then, Mr. Perrott
+is quite a famous man; everybody likes him better than Mr. Burton--you
+are too scrupulous, Louis. I think, sometimes, you are guilty of
+over-conscientiousness."
+
+Before Louis could reply, some of their young friends entered the
+room, and one thing followed another so quickly that Louis had no
+time to think clearly on the subject till he went to bed; but when
+all was silent and nothing interfered with his thoughts, his anxious
+mind ran over all that had passed, and turn it which way he would, it
+still seemed wrong. What with this feeling, and the fear of making
+his grandfather angry, Louis felt very uncomfortable; and then came
+Reginald's sophistry, and Louis almost argued himself into the belief
+that his brother was right and he too scrupulous: and when he tried to
+pray for direction he did not feel sincere, for he was conscious of a
+wish to go to the church, and a great dread of offending his grandfather.
+After some hours' restless consideration, he dropped asleep, having made
+up his mind to consult his father and mother, and to abide by their
+counsel. The next day, however, he had no opportunity of speaking to
+them alone, and Saturday night found him as miserably undecided as
+before. "Oh dear, if there were any one I could ask!" There was One,
+and though aid was feebly asked, it was granted; and with much fear and
+anxiety, Louis declined accompanying the party to A---- church the next
+morning.
+
+Vernon stared, and Reginald tried in vain to persuade him to alter his
+mind,--but he stood firm, and turning away from them, afraid to trust
+himself, stayed up stairs till the castle chapel bells began to ring,
+and then hastened down with a happy, free, and light heart, to join
+his mother.
+
+"Hey-day, Louis!" exclaimed his grandfather; "I thought you were off
+long ago. You're too late: the carriage has been gone this hour. What's
+the meaning of these late hours, sir?"
+
+"I was up quite early, grandfather," said Louis.
+
+"Then how was it you let them go without you?"
+
+"Because I had rather not go, sir," said Louis, with a heightened color.
+
+"And pray why could you not say so sooner?--you are the most uncertain
+fellow;--not the smallest dependence ever to be placed upon you. Do you
+know your own mind, Mr. Louis?"
+
+"Not always at first," replied Louis, in a low tone.
+
+"Hold up your head and speak out. And pray why has your weather-cock
+mind changed? What new wind has blown you round now, eh?"
+
+"It's Sunday, grandpapa," said Louis, looking up at his mother with
+a distressed face.
+
+"Well! Is the boy moon-struck? '_It's Sunday, grandpapa._' Don't you
+suppose I know that?"
+
+"I didn't think it was quite right, sir, to go to A---- church when we
+had one so near us."
+
+"Just as you please," said Sir George, contemptuously--"just as you
+please, Master Louis; only do not expect me to plan any thing for your
+pleasure again."
+
+"I am very much obliged, grandpapa--you don't understand me."
+
+"Oh, we understand each other very well, sir," said his grandfather,
+turning off very haughtily.
+
+As he passed Mr. Mortimer he said,
+
+"This comes of _molly-coddling_ that boy at home; you'll make
+a Methodist of him."
+
+What answer Mr. Mortimer made, Louis could not hear, and the next
+moment they all went into the chapel.
+
+Many contemptuous smiles were exchanged among those of the visitors
+who heard the colloquy, but Louis was comforted by an approving smile
+from his parents, and from the sweet consciousness of having done what
+was right. The service was very sweet to him, and the lightness of
+his heart made even the inferior singing very pleasant, and he gained
+something from "tedious Mr. Burton's" sermon; so much depends on the
+frame of mind. Our Saviour has enjoined us to take heed _how_ we hear.
+
+Louis had a very pleasant stroll in the park with his father after
+service, and when he entered the house with a happy quiet mind, he
+contrasted his feelings with those he should have had, had he been
+one of the giddy party at that time returning from A----, and joyfully
+thanked his heavenly Father for keeping him from dishonoring His holy
+day in "seeking his own pleasure" on it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following Thursday evening Mr. Mortimer's carriage was seen coming
+along the road leading to Dashwood, and at each window was a very joyful
+face noting all the familiar objects around; and as the horses dashed
+round a corner under a short grove of limes, the tongues belonging to
+the two began to move with astonishing rapidity.
+
+"Here's Dashwood!" cried one.
+
+"There's the river," exclaimed the other.
+
+"The Priory chimneys," shouted the first.
+
+"The Grange, Reginald," cried the second.
+
+"And Bessie Gordon in the garden,--she sees us," cried Reginald, who
+had changed sides for a second. "Ann White's cottage, Louis--I saw the
+old picture of Lazarus large as ever--and the sheep--and I smell hay.
+Look, there's a hay-field, and Johnson with the hay-makers! Hillo,
+Johnson! He sees me."
+
+"The bells, papa! The bells, mamma!" exclaimed Louis--"Oh, it's home,
+dear, sweet home! The bells are ringing because you are come home, papa;
+and look, there are all the people coming out of the cottages--how glad
+they seem to be!"
+
+"Louis, Louis, here we go!" shouted Reginald, as the carriage swept
+down a lane arched over with green boughs.
+
+Presently they came to the lodge gate; but not a moment had they
+to wait; it was wide open, and they could scarcely exchange marks
+of recognition with the gatekeeper and family, when they were out of
+sight in the long winding carriage road that led through the park.
+
+"Welcome, welcome--home! The dear, dear old Priory," said Louis,
+with increasing enthusiasm.
+
+"Take care you are not out on the grass, Louis," said his mother,
+seizing his arm.
+
+"Here we are!" cried Reginald. "And there's Mary, the little pussy,
+and sober Neville, looking out of his wits, for a wonder. Here we are!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+  "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
+   might."--Eccles. ix. 10.
+
+  "Watch and pray."--Matt. xxvi. 41.
+
+  "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through
+   God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations,
+   and every high thing that exalteth itself against the _knowledge_
+   of God."--2 Cor. x. 4, 5.
+
+
+"Ah! Louis, _this_ is home," exclaimed Reginald, as, after the
+embraces in the hall, they entered the pleasant drawing-room. It _was_
+home, home with all its sweet associations and dear beings; and, in
+a few minutes, Reginald and Louis had run all over the house for the
+pleasure of seeing "the dear old places;" had shaken hands with the old
+servants, given nurse a kiss, and, having finished by wakening Freddy
+from his first sleep, returned to the drawing-room, where tea was ready.
+It was a very pleasant tea that night. Every one had so much to say,
+and there was so much innocent mirth--all agreed it was worth while
+going away from home, for the pleasure of returning. Gradually the
+broad yellow light faded from the wall, table, carpet, and window;
+and, the gray twilight usurping its place, little Mary was obliged
+to leave her seat on her father's knee, and with many kisses was
+marshalled up stairs by nurse and Neville.
+
+When Neville returned, the happy party sat round the open window
+watching the bright stars in their trembling beauty, and the half-moon
+rise over the dark trees, whitening their tops, silvering the water,
+and casting the deep shadows into deeper darkness. There was something
+in the still beauty that hushed the speakers, and at last only a low
+remark was now and then made, until Louis asked his mother to walk out
+into the garden. Mrs. Mortimer at first pleaded the heavy dews as an
+excuse, but the request was so urgently pressed by Reginald and Neville,
+and a large shawl and pair of clogs being procured, they sallied forth,
+Neville and his father first, then Reginald and Miss Spencer, and lastly,
+to his great satisfaction, Louis and his mother.
+
+"I am so fond of moonlight, mamma," said Louis.
+
+"I think most people are," replied his mother.
+
+"I wonder what is the reason that moonlight is so much sweeter than
+sunlight," said Louis.
+
+"Do you like it better?" said his mother.
+
+"I don't know that I like it _better_," replied Louis; "but it always
+seems so quiet and soothing. I always liked moonlight when I was a very
+little boy--but I thought very differently about it then."
+
+"How so?" asked his mother.
+
+"Oh! mamma, I thought it was very beautiful, and I felt a strange
+sort of feeling come into my mind--a sort of sad happiness: and
+sometimes I thought of fairies dancing in the moonlight; and when
+I grew older, I used to think a great deal of nonsense, or try to
+make poetry, and I called the moon 'Diana,' and 'queen of night'--and
+imagined a great deal that I hardly like to tell you, about lovers
+walking in moonlight."
+
+"And your feelings are quite changed now?" asked his mother.
+
+"Oh, yes! quite, mamma, it only seems more soothing, because I feel
+as if I were alone with God. Does it not seem to you, mamma, as if we
+see something of heaven in these lovely nights? I often wonder whether
+the bright stars are the many mansions our Saviour speaks of. Oh! mamma,
+what an immense thought it is to think of all these bright worlds
+constantly moving--either suns themselves with their planets revolving
+in ceaseless circles, or else themselves going round some bright sun!"
+
+"And, perhaps," added his mother, "that bright sun carrying all its
+attendant worlds round some larger and brighter sun, whose distance
+is too great to be calculated. By the aid of powerful telescopes may
+be seen in the extremity of our firmament, appearances which those who
+have devoted themselves to this glorious science have decided are other
+firmaments, each one containing its countless systems. Oh! Louis, God
+is infinite--what if these wondrous creations have no limit, but circle
+beyond circle spread out to all eternity! We may see the infinity of
+our Maker in the smallest leaf. There is nothing lost. What we destroy
+does but change its form."
+
+"Mamma, I once remember cutting a bit of paper into halves--that is to
+say, I first cut it into halves, and then cut one half into halves and
+so on, till my scissors would not divide the little bit. I was very idle
+that day, but I remember thinking that if I could get a pair of scissors
+small enough I could cut that speck up _forever_--and even if there only
+happened to be a grain left, I could not make that nothing."
+
+Louis paused; he was lost in thoughts of wonders that human imagination
+cannot grasp: the immensity and mystery of the Almighty's works.
+Presently he added, "I cannot imagine it, mamma, my mind seems lost
+when I try to think of _forever_. But there is a little hymn you used
+to teach me that I cannot help thinking of--I often think of it--it was
+the first I ever learned:
+
+    ''Twas God, my child, that made them all
+        By His almighty skill;
+      He keeps them that they do not fall,
+        And rules them by His will.
+      How very great that God must be!'"
+                              HYMNS FOR INFANT MINDS.
+
+"Do you remember learning that hymn?" said his mother; "I should have
+thought it had been too long ago."
+
+"Oh, no, mamma. I remember once very distinctly, you had drawn up the
+blind that I might look at the stars, and you leaned over my crib, and
+taught me that verse. Mamma, even when I did not love God, I used to
+like to hear _you_ tell me Bible stories and hymns sometimes, but I
+did not think much of them after they were over; but now, almost every
+thing reminds me of something in the Bible; or seems a type or a figure
+of some of our heavenly Father's dealings with us."
+
+"That is what the Apostle says," replied Mrs. Mortimer: "'The weapons
+of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty, through God, to the pulling
+down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing
+that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God; and bringing into
+captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.' Your imaginations
+before were not according to the will of God; you never saw any thing
+lovely in Him, but now He has become 'altogether lovely' in your eyes;
+every imagination that is contrary to His will is subdued, and all
+brought into obedience to Him. And are you not far happier?"
+
+"Indeed I am; oh, how much more happy!" said Louis: "but, dear mamma,
+I do not wish you to think that I am always so happy, because that
+would not be true. Very often, I seem almost to forget that I am a
+child of God, and then, nothing awakens those happy feelings."
+
+"I do not suppose you are always so happy, my dear boy. It is too
+often the case with Christians, that instead of drawing their pleasures
+from the fountain of life, they imagine that they can make cisterns of
+their own; they look to the comforts around them, to the friends God has
+given them, for satisfaction; and numberless other things have a tendency
+to draw their minds from their heavenly Father, which must inevitably
+destroy their peace of mind. But how sad it should ever be so! we have
+only ourselves to blame that we are not always happy. A Christian should
+be the most joyous creature that breathes."
+
+"Dear mamma, how many pleasant conversations I have had with you!"
+said Louis, affectionately kissing his mother's hand, as it lay on his
+arm. "They have been some of my sweetest hours. It makes me so happy to
+talk of God's love to me."
+
+"An inexhaustible subject," said his mother: "'Then they that feared the
+Lord, spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it;
+and a book of remembrance was written before Him, for them that feared
+the Lord, and thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the
+Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.'
+
+"Our favorite poet has expressed your feelings very beautifully:
+
+    'Oh, days of heaven, and nights of equal praise,
+     Serene and peaceful as those heavenly days
+     When souls drawn upward, in communion sweet
+     Enjoy the stillness of some close retreat;
+     Discourse, as if released and safe at home,
+     Of dangers past and wonders yet to come;
+     And spread the sacred treasures of the breast
+     Upon the lap of covenanted rest.'"
+                              COWPER'S "Conversation."
+
+"Come, I think I must order you in," said Mr. Mortimer, who came up
+with the others, just as these lines were finished. "These nocturnal
+perambulations will not improve your health, my love; and it is past
+prayer-time already. What a sweet night!"
+
+"I am afraid I have been a little imprudent, but it was a temptation
+when the dear boys pressed me so earnestly; our first night at home too,
+after so long a separation."
+
+"Mamma's very carefully wrapped up," said Neville.
+
+"And it's so deliciously warm," said Reginald.
+
+"Well, let us not increase the evil," said Mr. Mortimer.
+
+They presently re-entered the drawing-room, and the servants being
+summoned, Mr. Mortimer read prayers, and the boys went to bed.
+
+The weather being generally wet for the next fortnight, all the in-door
+resources were drawn upon by the young people of the Priory, and time
+seldom hung heavily on their hands. I do not mean to say that there was
+never a moment wasted; on the contrary, Louis had many lazy fits. It
+must be allowed that in holiday time, when no one is expected to do
+much regularly, there are great temptations to be idle, and boys are
+apt to forget that it is not particularly for parents and teachers'
+good that they are exhorted to make the most of their time.
+
+Louis' father and mother gave him many gentle reminders of his failing,
+and many were the struggles which he had with his dreamy indolence.
+Sometimes, when in accordance with a plan laid down by his mother's
+advice, he sat down to study for a stated time, he would open the book,
+and, after leaning over it for half an hour, find that he had built
+himself a nice little parsonage and school, and established himself
+a most laborious and useful minister in the prettiest of villages. At
+other times he was a missionary, or an eminent writer, and occasionally
+a member of Parliament. Then, at other times, he must draw the plan of a
+cottage or church, or put down a few verses; and sometimes, when he heard
+the clock strike the hour that summoned him to his studies, he had some
+excessively interesting story to finish, or very much preferred some other
+occupation.
+
+"Now, Louis, my dear, there is ten o'clock."
+
+"Yes, mamma, I will go directly."
+
+"Directly," in some persons' vocabulary, being an ambiguous term,
+another quarter of an hour saw Louis in the same place, quite absorbed.
+
+"Louis, Louis!"
+
+"Yes, mamma." And Louis got up, book and all, and walked across the
+room, reading all the way. After knocking his head against the door,
+and walking into the library instead of into the school-room, he at
+last found himself at the table where his writing-desk stood, without
+any further excuse, but there he stood for a minute or two reading,
+and then, still continuing, felt for his key, and slipped it along the
+front of his desk for some time in the most absent and fruitless manner.
+Being obliged, at length, to lay aside the book, he unlocked the desk,
+and opening it, laid the dear volume thereon, and read while he carried
+his desk to another table. Then a few books were fetched in the same
+dawdling way, Louis all the while persuading himself--foolish boy--that
+he was merely occupying the time of walking across the room in reading.
+A few minutes more, and a chair was dragged along, and Louis seated.
+Then he reluctantly laid his book down open beside him and commenced.
+It would be tiresome to say how often when the dictionary or something
+else had to be referred to, a half page or more of the story was read,
+and to remark how equally Louis enjoyed his amusement and profited by
+his study. He was finally overwhelmed with confusion when his father,
+entering the room, came and looked over his shoulder, making some remark
+on the economy of time exhibited in thus ingeniously blending together
+his work and play without profiting by either.
+
+"But indeed, papa, I don't know how it is; I made up my mind to be
+very industrious, and I was very steady yesterday."
+
+"You put me in mind of a story of a man who made a vow to abstain from
+frequenting beer-shops, and who, on the first day of his resolution,
+passed several successively, until he came to the last that lay on his
+way home, when he stopped and exclaimed, 'Well done, Resolution! I'll
+treat you for this,' and walked in."
+
+"Oh, papa!" exclaimed Louis, laughing.
+
+"Don't you think this looks very much like treating resolution?"
+said his father, taking up the open book.
+
+"I can't tell how it is, papa," said Louis, looking ashamed. "I assure
+you I did not mean to waste time; I cannot help being interested in
+stories, and unless I leave off reading them altogether, I don't know
+what to do."
+
+"As reading stories is not a duty," said his father, "I would certainly
+advise your leaving off reading them if they interfere with what is so
+clearly one; but do you not think there is any way of arranging your
+affairs so as to prevent a harmless recreation from doing this?"
+
+"I can't depend upon myself, papa. If it were Reginald, he could
+throw his book down directly, and do at once what he ought, and so
+would Neville, but it is quite a trouble to me sometimes even to
+bring my thoughts to bear upon dry studies, particularly mathematics,
+which I hate."
+
+"I allow there is some difference of constitution; Reginald is not so
+fond of reading as you are, and has naturally more power of turning his
+attention from one subject to another; but this power may be acquired,
+and if you grow up with this inclination to attend only to those things
+for which you take fancies and fits, you will not be a very useful
+member of society; for it must always be remembered that consistency
+is essential to a useful character, and that without it, though many
+may love, few will respect you."
+
+"I wish I could be like Neville; he is like a clock, and never lets any
+one thing interfere with another, and he always has time for all he wants
+to do, and is never in a hurry and flurry as I am; I think he has nothing
+to struggle with."
+
+"Indeed, my dear Louis, he has. Neville has as many faults as the
+generality of boys, but you must not forget how much longer he has
+begun the good fight than yourself; and the earlier we begin to
+struggle against the corruptions of our nature, the easier the task
+is; but, Louis, instead of wishing yourself like Neville, or any one
+else, think how you may approach most nearly to the high standard of
+excellence which is placed before us all."
+
+"But, father, how can I? What must I do?" sighed Louis. "You cannot
+tell how difficult it is to keep good resolutions. I fear I shall
+never be any better."
+
+"What is the grace of God, my boy?" said Mr. Mortimer, laying his hand
+on Louis' shoulder; "tell me, what is the grace of God?"
+
+"God's favor and help," replied Louis.
+
+"And to whom is this promised?"
+
+"To all who will ask for it, father."
+
+"And will you say you can do nothing? Oh, my dear son! God is a God of
+all grace, and can give to each of us what we need for every emergency.
+Without Him, we can, indeed, do _nothing_, but with _Him_ we may do
+_all things_; and blessed be His name for this unspeakable gift by which
+He works in man a gradual restoration to more than his primeval condition.
+Called with a holy calling, my boy, seek to glorify God in every little
+affair of life; take your religion into these unpleasant studies, and
+you will find them pleasures."
+
+"But, father, there is one thing I want to say. Often when I pray,
+I do not seem able to do things that I wish and ought."
+
+"There may be two reasons for that," replied his father. "The first, that
+you are not sufficiently in earnest in your petitions; and next, that you
+imagine that your prayers are to do all, without any exertion on your
+part--that the mere fact of having asked the help of the Almighty will
+insure you a supernatural ease and delight in performing these duties,
+forgetting that, while we are in this world we have to fight, to run
+steadily forward, not to sit still and expect all to be smooth for us.
+We must show diligence unto the end--we must watch as well as pray.
+You remember the parable of the withered hand?"
+
+"Yes, father."
+
+"And you remember that our Lord commanded the man to stretch forth his
+hand. He might have pleaded that it was powerless; but no, the Lord had
+given him power at the moment he desired him to exert it; and just so to
+every Christian, God is a God of all grace, and will give to each of us
+the peculiar grace we need; but we must not lock it up and imagine it
+to be efficacious without exertion on our part."
+
+Louis was silent for some minutes. At length he turned his face up to
+his father, and said--
+
+"What would you advise me to do?"
+
+"What do you think yourself would be best?" said his father. "Think
+always _after_ earnest prayer for divine guidance, what seems right
+to do, what the Bible says, and how it will be to the glory of your
+Saviour; then, when you have made up your mind as to the rectitude
+of any plan of action, let your movements be prompt and decided,
+and do not leave the silly heart any room to suggest its excuses and
+modifications. Your judgment may sometimes err, but it is better for
+the judgment than the conscience to be in fault. Be assured that if
+you thus acknowledge God in all your ways, He will direct your paths."
+
+Louis paused another moment, and said--
+
+"Will you take that book, father, and not let me have it any more to-day,
+as it has interfered so much with my study; and I will try to be more
+industrious. I will finish my Prometheus and Euclid, and the projection
+of my map, and then, perhaps, I shall be ready for the reading."
+
+Mr. Mortimer shook his head as he held up his watch before his
+son's eyes--
+
+"Too late, Louis. The time is lost, and something must be missed to-day."
+
+"Then, papa, I will do my Greek, and go to the reading, and then,
+instead of amusing myself after lunch, I will do the other things--and
+please take that book away with you."
+
+"I had rather leave it," said Mr. Mortimer. "You must learn to act for
+yourself and by yourself. You do not expect to be always a boy, and if
+these weaknesses are not checked now, you will grow up a weak man, sadly
+dependent upon external influences and circumstances. Put the book out
+of your way by all means, but let it be your own act. And now I will
+leave you to do your work, for I see you have done very little, and
+that little very ill."
+
+When his father had left the room, Louis put the book on a shelf, and,
+turning his back to it, set himself to work with earnest determination.
+He rewrote what he had done so badly, took great pains with the new
+edition, and had the satisfaction of receiving his father's approval
+of his work in the evening. After lunch his disagreeable Euclid was
+completed, and the map finished, and Louis refrained steadily from
+looking at the book for the rest of the day; nor did he, though sorely
+inclined, open it the next day until he could do so with a safe
+conscience.
+
+For the remainder of the holidays Louis adhered to his resolution;
+but I do not mean to say he trusted on his own resolution: that he
+had found, by painful experience, to be a broken reed. In dependence
+upon an Almighty helper, he steadily endeavored from day to day to
+perform what was required of him in his station and circumstances,
+and found his reward in peace of mind and consciousness of growing
+in grace.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+It seems, by common consent, established among school-boys, that school
+and school-masters are necessary evils, only endurable because incurable,
+and that, as a matter of course, the return to school must be looked on
+as a species of martyrdom, the victims of which are unanimously opposed
+to the usual persuasives that school-days are the happiest, and that
+they will wish themselves back again before they have left it long.
+We will not attempt to account for this perversity of opinion in the
+minds of the individuals alluded to, nor have we any intention of
+instituting an inquiry as to the probability of the origin of this
+repugnance to scholastic life being in the natural opposition of man's
+mind to discipline or order, and the tendency therein to dislike all
+that is especially arranged and placed before him plainly for his
+benefit; but I am sure that most of those among my readers who either
+have been, or are school-boys at this moment, will agree with me in
+declaring that, returning to school, after the vacation, is a dismal
+affair, and that, during the first week or fortnight, certain rebellious
+feelings are prominent, which it would be treason to breathe.
+
+The close of the holidays had arrived, and it was decided that Louis
+should return to school with his brother, notwithstanding his great
+wish to the contrary; but now his principles were firmer, his father
+was of opinion that mixing with a large party of boys was more calculated
+to supply what was wanting in his character than staying at home with his
+mother and sister, and, consequently, a day or two after the reopening
+of Ashfield House, Reginald and Louis were placed by their father safely
+in a coach that started from Norwich, and, in a rather sorrowful mood,
+began their long journey.
+
+I have no adventures to mention; romantic incidents are rarely met
+with in a school-boy's life; nor was there any thing remarkable to
+relate in the day and a half's travel, beyond the stoppage for meals,
+and the changes of vehicle. Louis and his brother generally patronized
+the top of the coach, but as they drew near Bristol, Louis grew so sleepy
+and tired, from the length of the journey, as well as the imperfect
+slumber obtained inside the preceding night, that he preferred changing
+his quarters, to the risk of falling from his perch above. It so happened
+that the coach was empty inside, and Louis indulged himself by stretching
+at full length on one of the seats, and soon lost the recollection of
+his troubles in sleep. How long he had slept he could not tell, when the
+stopping of the coach disturbed him, and rising lazily, he looked out to
+see where they were. Instead, however, of the "White Lion," in Bristol,
+or the "Roadside Inn," with the four waiting horses, there was opposite
+the window a pretty house, standing in a moderately sized garden, gay
+with countless flowers, green grass, and waving trees. It was such
+a house as Louis with his romance loved; low and old-fashioned,
+with a broad glass door in the centre, on one side of which was a
+long casement-window, and on the other, two thick sashes. The house,
+extending to some length, displayed among the evergreen shrubs,
+delicate roses and honey-suckles, a variety of odd windows, from
+the elegant French to the deep old-fashioned bay; and over the front,
+almost entirely concealing the rough gray stucco, was a vine, the
+young grapes of which fell gracefully over the little bedroom windows,
+suggesting the idea, how very pleasant it would be, when the fruit was
+ripe, to obtain it at so little trouble. Louis especially noticed the
+sheltering trees, that grew to a great height close behind the house,
+and the long shadows thrown by the evening sun across the smooth
+green lawn.
+
+While he was admiring the little prospect before him, a maid-servant,
+assisted by the guard of the coach, appeared at the door, carrying
+a black trunk, and behind followed another elderly servant, with a
+carpet-bag and basket. It was very evident that another passenger
+might be expected, and a few seconds more threw considerable light
+on the doubt enveloping the expected personage. The glass door before
+mentioned, opened into a low square hall, and at the further end, just
+as the carpet-bag reached the garden gate, appeared a group, of which,
+till it arrived at the door, little could be discerned but some white
+frocks. Presently, however, a pleasant middle-aged gentleman came out,
+holding by the hand a tearful-looking little boy, seemingly about nine
+or ten years old. The shade of his cap was pulled down very far over
+his forehead, but enough of his face was visible to betray some very
+showery inclinations. Two little girls, one older and the other younger,
+clung round him; the little one was weeping bitterly. When they reached
+the gate, the gentleman shook the boy's hand, and gave him in charge
+of the guard, to see him safely into a coach to convey him to
+Ashfield House.
+
+"No fear of that, sir," replied the guard, opening the coach door,
+and putting in the bag and basket. "I daresay these young gentlemen
+would let him ride with them: they are for Dr. Wilkinson's."
+
+"Indeed," said the gentleman, looking at Reginald, and then following
+the jerk of the guard's thumb at Louis; "perhaps you will share your
+fly with my son?" Reginald replied that they would be most happy. The
+gentleman thanked him, and turning to his little boy, who was hugging
+his youngest sister at the moment, said cheerfully, "Well, Charles,
+this is pleasant; here are some school-fellows already. You will have
+time to make friends before you reach the doctor's. Come, my boy."
+
+Charles had burst into a torrent of fresh tears, and sobbing his
+"Good-byes," got into the coach very quickly.
+
+"Come, come, you mustn't be a baby," said his father, squeezing both
+his hands; and he shut the coach door himself.
+
+"Good-bye, Charlie," said the little girls.
+
+"Good-bye, master Charles," said the servants.
+
+"I shall be so glad when Christmas comes," sobbed the little one.
+
+The coach rolled away, amid the adieus and blessings poured on the
+disconsolate boy, who watched his home eagerly as long as he could
+see it. There they were all--father, sisters, and servants, watching
+at the gate till the coach was out of sight. For some time, Louis did
+not attempt to console his new companion, who threw himself into the
+opposite corner, and burying his face in his handkerchief, sobbed
+passionately, without any effort at self-control. At length, the
+violence of his grief abating, Louis gently spoke to him, asking if
+he had ever been away from home before. At first, Charles was very
+reserved, and only answered Louis' questions; but by degrees his sobs
+decreased, and from declaring that he could not see the reason of
+his being sent away from home, he at last talked freely to Louis
+of his father, sisters, and home; and asked Louis of his. Louis was
+ready enough to enlarge on these topics, and entered into an enthusiastic
+description of home and its pleasures, and before they had reached their
+journey's end, they had become very good friends.
+
+Charles had informed Louis that his father was a clergyman, and that
+his home was the parsonage house; and enlarged very much on the pleasure
+of being taught by his father. There was something in his manner of
+expressing himself that often surprised Louis, and made him think that
+he must be older than he appeared. Before they reached Bristol, they had
+agreed to be "great friends," and to help each other as much as possible.
+Charles had evidently been very carefully brought up, and Louis found
+that they had many things in common. They decided to be companions on
+Sunday, and to be together whenever they could.
+
+Between seven and eight o'clock, the coach stopped in Bristol, where
+Reginald joined his brother; and after a few minutes spent in taking
+a hasty tea, the three boys were consigned to a suitable conveyance,
+and drove on to Dr. Wilkinson's.
+
+Reginald had a mortal aversion to tears in any boy but Louis, and had
+consequently taken an antipathy to his new school-fellow, besides caring
+very little about so small a boy. He was just civil to him, and his
+manner bringing out all Charles's shyness, he became very silent,
+and scarcely any thing was said during the ride from Bristol to
+Ashfield House.
+
+It would be of little use describing the interesting appearance that
+Ashfield House presented when the three young gentlemen arrived there.
+Such descriptions are generally skipped; consequently, I leave it to my
+reader's imagination to picture how romantic the edifice looked, with
+the last faint yellow daylight glowing on its front, and the first few
+stars peeping out on the green park.
+
+Our young gentlemen, be assured, noticed nothing but the very dismal
+impression that they were once more at school. Inquiring if the doctor
+were to be seen, they were informed that he was expected in a few
+minutes, as it was nearly prayer-time; and accordingly Reginald
+marshalled the way without a word to the school-room. There was no
+one in the hall or school-room, but a murmur from the half-open door
+of the adjoining class-room drew them in that direction. The room was
+nearly full, for besides the first and second classes there were many
+belonging to the third class, and one or two others who had either
+arrived late, or taken advantage of the little additional license
+given the first few days to stay beyond their usual bedtime. It was
+too dark to distinguish faces, but the figure of Frank Digby, who had
+managed with great pains to climb the mantelpiece, and was delivering
+an oration, would have been unmistakable if even he had been silent;--who
+but Frank Digby could have had spirit to do it the third night after
+the opening of the school?
+
+  "Gentlemen and ladies," began the merry-andrew; "I beg your
+  pardon, the Lady Louisa not having arrived, and Miss Maria
+  Matheson being in bed, I ought to have omitted that term--but,
+  gentlemen, I take this opportunity, gentlemen, the opportunity
+  of the eleventh demi-anniversary of our delightful reunion.
+  Gentlemen, I am aware that some of you have not been fortunate
+  enough to see eleven, but some among us have seen more. I,
+  gentlemen, have seen eleven at this auspicious moment. I may
+  say it is the proudest moment of my life to be able to stand
+  on this mantelpiece and look down on you all, to feel myself
+  enrolled a member of such an august corps. I may say I feel
+  myself elevated at this present moment, but as, gentlemen,
+  there is no saying, in the precarious situation I am now
+  placed, how long I may be in a position to contemplate the
+  elegance of his majesty and court, I hasten to propose that
+  his majesty's health be eaten in plum-cake, and that if I
+  fall somebody will catch me.
+
+  "With kind regards to all,
+      "Believe me your attached school-fellow,
+                                    "FRANK DIGBY."
+
+A little on one side of the fireplace, which was not far from the open
+window, Trevannion was leaning back in a chair that he had tipped on
+the hind legs till the back touched the wall behind him, his own legs
+being stretched out on another poised in like manner on the two side
+legs; this elegant and easy attitude being chosen partly for the
+convenience of speaking to Salisbury, who was nicely balanced on
+the window-sill, eating plum-cake. As the young gentleman concluded
+his delectable harangue, he made an involuntary leap from his narrow
+pedestal, plunging on the top of Trevannion's legs, and, tumbling over
+him, struck with some violence against Salisbury, who was thrown out
+of the window by the same concussion that brought his more fastidious
+compeer to the ground, chairs and all. There was a burst of merriment
+at this unexpected catastrophe, but nothing could exceed the mirth of
+the author of the mischief, who sat in unextinguishable laughter on the
+floor, to the imminent danger of his person when the enraged sufferers
+recovered their legs.
+
+[Illustration: The finale to Digby's speech.]
+
+"Really! Digby," exclaimed Trevannion, angrily, "this foolery is
+unbearable. You deserve that we should give you a thrashing; if it
+were not beneath me, I most certainly would."
+
+"You--ha! ha!" returned Frank: "ha! ha!--you must stoop to--ha! ha!--you
+must stoop to conquer--for, oh! oh! I can't get up. Pardon me, my dear
+fellow, but--oh! ha! ha!--you did look so ridiculous."
+
+"Get up, you grinning donkey!" said Salisbury, who, in spite of his
+wrath, could not help laughing.
+
+"Trevannion's legs!" exclaimed Frank, in a choking fit of laughter.
+
+"Get up, Digby," exclaimed Trevannion, kicking him; "or I'll shake some
+of this nonsense out of you."
+
+"Do be rational, Frank," said Hamilton's voice from a corner; "you are
+like a great baby."
+
+How long Frank might have sat on the floor, and what direful events
+might have transpired, I cannot pretend to say, for just at this
+juncture the further door opened, and Dr. Wilkinson entered, bearing
+a candle in his hand. Frank very speedily found his legs, and retired
+into a corner to giggle unseen. The light thus suddenly introduced
+brought Reginald and his brother into notice, and one or two near the
+door recognizing them, pressed forward to speak to them, and before
+the doctor had fairly attained his place, Reginald had run the gauntlet
+of welcomes through all his school-fellows--and Louis, half-way on the
+same errand, was forcibly arrested by something scarcely short of an
+embrace from Hamilton, who expressed himself as surprised as pleased
+at his appearance, and in whose glistening eyes, as well as the friendly
+looks of those around, Louis experienced some relief from the almost
+insupportable sense of dulness that had oppressed him ever since his
+entrance into the house. But now, the doctor having opened his book,
+the young gentlemen were obliged to separate and form into their places.
+Hamilton kept Louis by him, and Louis beckoned the sorrowful little boy
+who had accompanied him towards them.
+
+"Who is that?" asked the doctor, as the child moved shyly towards Louis.
+
+"A new boy, sir," said one.
+
+"What is your name?" said the doctor. "Come here. Oh! I see, it is
+Clifton, is it not?--how do you do?"
+
+Charles had reached Dr. Wilkinson by this time, and, encouraged by
+his kind tone, and the sympathizing though slightly quizzical gaze
+on his very tearful face, replied to his queries in a low, quick tone.
+
+"When did you come?" asked the doctor.
+
+"He came with us, sir," said Reginald, stepping forward.
+
+"Mortimer here!" said the doctor. "How do you do? and Louis, too,
+I presume--where is he? I am very glad to see you again," he added,
+as Louis came forward with a blushing but not miserable countenance.
+He then spoke to the other new-comers, and then, commanding silence,
+read prayers.
+
+The young gentlemen were just retiring, when Dr. Wilkinson desired them
+to stay a moment--"I have one request to make, young gentlemen," he said,
+gravely; "that is, I particularly wish when Mr. Ferrers returns that no
+allusion be made to any thing gone by, and that you treat him as one
+worthy to be among you."
+
+The doctor paused as he spoke, and glanced along the row of faces,
+many of which looked sullen and cloudy: most of them avoided their
+master's eye, and looked intently on the ground. Dr. Wilkinson sought
+Hamilton's eye, but Hamilton, though perfectly conscious of the fact,
+was very busily engaged in a deep meditation on the texture of Louis'
+jacket.
+
+"Hamilton."
+
+"Sir," replied Hamilton, reluctantly raising his eyes.
+
+"I look to you, as the head of the school, to set the example. I am
+grieved to see so little Christian spirit among you. Why should you
+feel more aggrieved than the injured party, who has, I am sure,
+heartily forgiven all, and will wish no further notice to be taken
+of what has passed?"
+
+Louis looked up acquiescently, and slipped his hand into Hamilton's.
+A slight pressure was returned, and Hamilton, bowing to the doctor,
+led the way out of the room.
+
+On the way up stairs many rebellious comments were made on the
+doctor's speech, and some invoked tremendous penalties on themselves
+if they had any thing to do with him or any like him. Hamilton was
+quite silent, neither checking nor exciting the malcontents. He put
+his hand into Louis' arm, and, walking up stairs with him, wished him
+a warm good-night, and marched off to his own apartment.
+
+This evening, as there were one or two new-comers, an usher was present
+in the dormitory to insure the orderly appropriation of the several
+couches; and, to Louis' great satisfaction, he was able to get quietly
+into bed--where, feeling very dull and sad, he covered his head over
+and unconsciously performed a crying duet with his new friend.
+
+Hardly had the usher departed than Frank Digby popped his head
+out of bed:
+
+"I don't know," said he, "whether any one expects a feast to-night,
+from a few unlucky remarks which fell from me this morning; if so,
+gentlemen, I wish immediately to dispel the pleasing delusion,
+assuring you of the melancholy fact, that my golden pippins have
+fallen victims to Gruffy's rapacity."
+
+"Oh, what a shame!" exclaimed one.
+
+"What's that, Frank?" said Reginald.
+
+"How did Gruffy get hold of them?" asked Meredith: "I thought you
+were more than her match."
+
+"Why, the fact is, her olfactory nerves becoming strongly excited,
+she insisted upon having a search, and after snuffing about, she
+came near my hiding-place, and found the little black portmanteau:
+
+"'Upon my word, Mr. Digby,' said she, 'I am surprised at your
+dirtiness--putting apples under your pillow!' and insisted on
+having the key or the apples. I disclaimed all ideas of apples,
+but quite failed in persuading her that I had Russian leather-covered
+books inside, that were placed there to enable me to pursue my studies
+at the first dawn of day. You should have heard her: 'Did I suppose
+she was an idiot, and couldn't smell apples!' and oh--nobody knows
+how much more. But I should have carried my point if ill-luck hadn't
+brought Fudge in the way, and the harpy carried off my treasures."
+
+Frank paused, and then added, in a tone that set every one laughing,
+"It's a pity she can't be transported into heathen mythology; she'd
+have made an excellent dragon. Hercules would never have been so
+successful if she'd been that of Hesperia. I'll be even with her yet;
+but there's something very forlorn in one's troubles beginning directly."
+
+The next morning brought with it the stern reality of school. Louis
+was dreaming that he was in Dashwood with Charles Clifton, when the
+bell-man came into the breakfast-room, crying out that the golden
+pippins belonging to his attached school-fellow, Frank Digby, were
+lost, stolen, or strayed; and that he would be even with any who
+should find them, and bring them to the Hesperides; and he was in
+the act of proving, more to his own satisfaction than to that of the
+bell-man, that the books in the library were what he wanted, when
+Reginald discovered them,--i.e., the golden apples,--peeping from
+under his pillow, and shook him violently for his deceit.
+
+"Louis, Louis!--the bell, the bell."
+
+He started up in great alarm, and discovered that he was sitting on
+his bed at school, listening to the sonorous clanging of the bell below.
+
+Groans, shouts, and sleepy exclamations reverberated round him. Reginald,
+rather more accustomed to good early habits at home than some of his
+room-fellows, was busy rousing those who either did not, or pretended
+not to hear the summons. Among the latter was our friend Frank Digby,
+who stoutly resisted being awakened, and when obliged to yield to the
+determined efforts of his cousin, nearly overwhelmed him with a species
+of abuse.
+
+"That bell's a complete bugbear," he groaned. "It ought to be indicted
+for a nuisance, waking people up o' mornings when they ought to be in
+the arms of Morpheus--I've a great mind to lie still. Half an hour's
+sleep is worth sixpence."
+
+"It's much better laid out with 'Maister,' Frank," suggested Meredith.
+
+"And then Fudge will be so black about it," said Reginald.
+"Come, up with you, Frank."
+
+"As for Fudge," said Frank, "I wouldn't give you twopence for him,
+nor his black looks neither. But you may be sure he'll be amiable
+enough this morning. He has been remarkably affectionate these few
+mornings--hasn't he, Meredith?"
+
+"_To be sure_," replied the young gentleman addressed: "when did you
+know a master otherwise the first week? They all know there's danger
+of our cutting their acquaintance in a summary manner, and take good
+care to be bland enough till we're tamed down."
+
+"For my part," said Frank, "I have been longing for an opportunity of
+putting Fudge in a passion. If only he or Danby would box my ears for
+something, that I might fling a book at his head, and have a legitimate
+excuse for taking myself off--but, alas! they are all so dreadfully
+amiable, except old Garthorpe, and he's beneath all consideration."
+
+Frank continued in this strain for some minutes, working himself into
+a more rebellious humor, stimulated by those among his companions who
+admired this demonstration of spirit. Confidentially I may remark,
+that though running away seems to be the desideratum of a discontented
+school-boy, it is far more interesting in theory than practice, and I
+doubt much whether any malcontent who availed himself of this as his
+only refuge from the miserable fate awaiting him in the dungeon to
+which he was consigned, ever considered in the end that his condition
+had been materially improved. Spangled canopies and soft turf couches
+do well to read of, but stiff limbs and anxious hearts are sterner
+realities, to say nothing of sundry woes inflicted on the culprit when
+discovered. But I am enlarging and must return from my digression.
+
+Dr. Wilkinson was engaged the greater part of the morning in arranging
+the different classes and examining his new pupils. Great surprise was
+felt among those interested, in the news that Charles Clifton was to
+take his place in the second class. Even the doctor paused once or twice
+in his examination, and looked earnestly on the great forehead and small
+pale face of the child.
+
+"Why, how old are you?" said he, at length.
+
+"Twelve, sir," replied Charles, gravely.
+
+"Very little of your age. Have you ever been at school before?"
+
+Charles replied in the negative, and after another momentary scrutiny,
+Dr. Wilkinson asked a few concluding questions, and then unhesitatingly
+declared him a member of the second class.
+
+Louis had, this half-year, a far better chance of distinguishing himself
+than before, as his brother and Meredith, with one or two others, had
+mounted into the first class, and John Salisbury had not returned. He
+was, however, not a little surprised when Hamilton informed him that
+he would have enough to do to keep pace with his new friend, whom he
+had looked upon as quite one of the lower school.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+The first long dreary week had passed: quicker, however, in its
+peaceable monotony than many a gayer time has been known to do,
+and the young gentlemen of Ashfield House were beginning to settle
+down soberly and rationally to their inevitable fate. Louis' position
+was so altered this half-year, that he hardly understood himself the
+universal affection and consideration with which he was treated. He
+was indubitably a favorite with the doctor, but no one was jealous,
+for he bore his honors very meekly, and was always willing to share
+his favors with others, neither encroaching on nor abusing the kindness
+displayed towards him by his master, who seemed, in common with his
+pupils, to be exceedingly desirous of obliterating all remembrance of
+the misunderstanding of the last half-year. But the doctor's affection
+was much more sparingly exhibited than Hamilton's, who seemed at times
+to forget every thing for Louis. He was now made the companion of the
+seniors--he had free admission into all their parties. Hamilton seemed
+unable to walk into Bristol unless Louis were allowed to accompany him.
+Louis' place in the evening was now by Hamilton, who did his utmost
+to make him steady, and to prevent him from yielding the first place to
+Clifton, who very soon proved himself to be a boy of considerable genius,
+united with much steadiness of purpose, and who had, evidently, been
+very carefully educated. One evening about this time, when most of the
+class-room party were very busy, under the orderly supervision of Messrs.
+Hamilton and Trevannion, the door was quietly opened and Ferrers entered
+with that doubtful air that expected an unfavorable reception. When I
+speak of business and quietude at Ashfield House it must, of course,
+be understood as comparative, for the quietest evening in that renowned
+academy would have furnished noise enough to have distracted half the
+quiet parlors in the kingdom--and on this particular evening there was
+quite enough to cover the bashful entrance of the former bully. Hamilton
+was writing, and doubly engaged in keeping Louis from listening to an
+interesting history, delivered by Salisbury, of a new boy who had
+arrived that half-year from a neighboring school. The boy in question
+was a cunning dunce, who had already discovered Louis' failing, and
+having partaken of the assistance Louis supplied as liberally as
+allowed, had come more especially under the ken of the seniors, and
+Hamilton had been administering a reproof to Louis for helping Casson
+before getting his own lessons ready.
+
+Ferrers had nearly reached the upper end of the table before any one
+was aware of his vicinity, when Trevannion, looking up from his writing
+to dip his pen anew in the ink, caught sight of him, recognizing him
+so suddenly that even his equanimity was almost surprised into a start.
+He colored slightly, and coldly acknowledging his presence by a stiff
+bow and a muttered "How do you do," returned to his work, not, however,
+before his movement had attracted the attention of one or two others.
+The intimation of his presence was conveyed almost talismanically
+round the room, and a silence ensued while the young gentlemen
+looked at one another for an example. These unfriendly symptoms
+added considerably to Ferrers' embarrassment. Pale with anxiety,
+he affected to notice nothing, and looked for a place at one of the
+tables where he might lay the books he had brought in with him.
+The silence, however, had made Hamilton now very conscious of what,
+till this moment, he had been in blissful ignorance--that his voice
+was raised to nearly a shouting pitch to make his admonitions
+sufficiently impressive to his protege--and the sonorous tones
+of his voice, delivering an emphatic oration on weakness and
+perseverance contrasted, were so remarkable that the attention
+was a little drawn from Ferrers by this unusual phenomenon.
+
+"What a burst of eloquence!" exclaimed Frank, who, on the first sound
+of the kingly voice, had begun to attitudinize; while Trevannion gazed
+on his friend with a quiet, gentlemanly air of inquiry, that was not to
+be put out of countenance by any circumstance how ludicrous soever,
+"His majesty's in an oratorical vein to-night. Such a flow of graceful
+language, earnest, mellifluous persuasives dropping like sugar-plums
+from his lips!"
+
+"Three cheers for his majesty's speech," cried Salisbury.
+
+These comments were hailed by a hearty laugh, mingled with clapping of
+hands, and an effort on the part of a few to raise a cheer. Hamilton
+joined in the laugh, though he had been so intent upon his lecture that
+at first he hardly comprehended the joke.
+
+"Your majesty's been studying rhetoric since we had the pleasure of
+a speech," remarked Reginald, when a little lull had succeeded to the
+uproarious mirth. "Mercury himself couldn't have done better."
+
+"Considering that the speeches of Edward the Great usually savor
+of Spartan brevity," said Smith, "we couldn't have hoped for such
+a masterpiece."
+
+"You don't understand his most gracious majesty," said Frank; "depend
+upon it he's a veritable cameleon."
+
+At this juncture, Louis, whose eyes had a sad habit of wandering
+when they should be otherwise employed, caught sight of Ferrers,
+and, starting up, he welcomed him with the utmost heartiness.
+
+Hamilton looked round and colored furiously, but before Ferrers had
+time to make any answers to Louis' rapid questions, he rose, and,
+stepping forward, held out his hand--
+
+"How are you, Ferrers?" he said, in a cheerful tone, "I neither saw
+nor heard you come in just now. You have not been here long, have you?"
+
+Ferrers grasped Hamilton's hand and looked in his face, astonished and
+overcome with gratitude for this unexpected welcome. The silence of the
+few minutes before was resumed, and every eye was riveted on Hamilton,
+who, perceiving from the tight grasp on his hand and the crimsoned
+countenance of Ferrers, his utter inability to speak, and being anxious
+to remove the insupportable feeling of awkwardness under which he felt
+sure he labored, continued, without waiting for an answer--
+
+"You are very late this half. We have expected you every day."
+
+He then sat down and went on telling Ferrers about the new-comers,
+and the present condition of the first class, asking him some questions
+about his journey, and all so quickly and cleverly as neither to appear
+forced, nor to oblige Ferrers to speak more than he chose. While Hamilton
+spoke he only now and then glanced at him from his work, which he had
+apparently resumed as soon as he sat down.
+
+"His majesty's taken Fudge's hint," said Frank, in a low,
+discontented tone.
+
+"Hamilton can, of course, do as he likes, but I won't," said another,
+with a nod of determination. "We're not obliged to follow his lead."
+
+"Trevannion won't, you'll see," muttered Peters.
+
+"Be kind enough to lend me your lexicon, Salisbury," said Trevannion,
+who had, since Hamilton's notice of Ferrers, assumed an air of more
+than ordinary dignity, and now reached across Ferrers for the book,
+as if there were no one there. Ferrers made an effort to assist in
+the transition of the thick volume, but all his politeness obtained
+was a haughty, cold stare, and a determined rejection of assistance.
+Louis was sure that Hamilton observed this action, from the expression
+of his face, but he made no remark, and continued to talk to Ferrers
+a little longer, when he laughingly pleaded his avocations as an excuse
+for being silent; but Louis was now disengaged, and Reginald had happily
+followed Hamilton's example, for though at first inclined to be on
+Trevannion's side, he could not help pitying his evident distress,
+and, touched by the emotion he exhibited, he exerted himself to smooth
+all down. Had all been as cold and repulsive as Trevannion and his
+advocates, Ferrers would have been dogged and proud, but now the sense
+of gratitude and humility was predominant, and at last so overpowered
+him, that he was glad to get away in the playground by himself. As he
+closed the door, the buz was resumed, and an attack was made on Hamilton
+by those who had determinedly held back.
+
+"Your royal clemency is most praiseworthy, most magnanimous Edward,"
+said Frank Digby.
+
+"Worthy of you, Hamilton," said Trevannion, sneeringly. "Ferrers is
+a fit companion and associate for gentlemen."
+
+"My manners not bearing any comparison with yours," replied Hamilton,
+coolly, "I am not so chary of contamination."
+
+"That's a hit at your slip just now, Trevannion," said Smith.
+"How could you commit such a what-do-you-call it? gooch--gaucherie."
+
+"You had better take lessons of the old woman over the way,"
+said Salisbury; "she only charges twopence _extra for them as
+learns manners_."
+
+"A good suggestion," said Trevannion, laughing; "will you pay for me,
+Hamilton?"
+
+"Willingly," replied Hamilton, in a low, deep tone, "if, on inquiry,
+I find her good manners are the result of good feeling."
+
+"I am excessively indebted to you," replied Trevannion, coloring;
+"and feel exceedingly honored by the solicitude of Ferrers' friend."
+
+"Just as you choose to feel it, Trevannion," said Hamilton; "but I had
+better speak my mind, gentlemen,--I do not think we have, as a body,
+remembered the doctor's injunction."
+
+"How could we?" "Is it likely?" "No, indeed." "I dare say!" "Very fine!"
+sounded on all sides.
+
+"Hear me to the end," said Hamilton; "I have not much to say."
+
+"Two speeches in one night!" said Jones. "Never was such condescension."
+
+Hamilton took no notice of the jeering remarks round him, but having
+obtained a little silence, continued--
+
+"We have made enough of this business. It is cruel now to carry it on
+further. I confess myself to have felt as much repugnance as any one
+could feel, to renewing any thing beyond the barest possible intercourse
+with Ferrers; but let us consider, first, that it becomes us, while
+we are Dr. Wilkinson's pupils, to pay some respect to his wishes,
+whether they coincide with our feelings or not; and next, whether it
+is charitable to shut a school-fellow out of a chance of reformation.
+Let us put ourselves in his place."
+
+"A very desirable position; rather too much for imagination,"
+remarked Trevannion.
+
+"It is a miserable position," said Hamilton; "therefore we should do
+well to endeavor to help him out of it. I have no doubt if we had been
+once in so painful a situation, we should not have considered ourselves
+as hopeless or irremediable characters--nor is he; he is quite overcome
+to-night because all have not been quite such savages as he expected."
+
+"As he would have been. He wouldn't have been merciful!"
+exclaimed Meredith.
+
+"That's nothing to the purpose," said Hamilton. "We have only to act
+rightly ourselves. Give him a chance. If he forfeit it by a similar
+offence, I will not say another word for him."
+
+There was a dead silence when Hamilton had finished. His appeal had
+the more effect, that he was usually too indolent to trouble himself
+much about what did not immediately concern him or his, but took all
+as he found it.
+
+"In giving what you call a chance, Hamilton," said Trevannion, who
+alone, in the indecision evident, remained entirely unmoved; "in giving
+what you call a chance, you forget that we implicate ourselves. As
+honorable individuals, as gentlemen, we cannot admit to fellowship one
+who has so degraded himself. To be 'hail-fellow-well-met' with him,
+were to lower ourselves. We do not prevent his improving himself. When
+he has done so, let us talk of receiving him among us again. In my
+opinion, Dr. Wilkinson's allowing him to return is as much, and a great
+deal more than he could expect."
+
+"I shall say nothing more," said Hamilton. "I do not often make
+a request."
+
+"I know what Louis would say," said Salisbury, who had been watching
+Louis' earnest, gratified gaze on Hamilton for the last few minutes;
+"I think we ought to be guided by him in this matter."
+
+"I! oh, I wish just what Hamilton has said--you know I wished it
+long ago."
+
+"What Louis says shall be the law," said Jones. "We won't refuse him
+any thing."
+
+"Especially in this matter," said Salisbury. "He's a brick, and so is
+his majesty, after all. My best endeavors for your side, Louis."
+
+"And mine," said Jones.
+
+"I'll outwardly forgive the culprit, at any rate," said Frank. Several
+others expressed their desire to abide by the same resolution; Hamilton
+looked his satisfaction, Trevannion sulkily recommenced his work, and
+Louis stole out of the room to find Casson, that he might finish telling
+him his lesson, according to promise. When Dr. Wilkinson arrived, he
+narrowly watched the manners of his pupils towards Ferrers, and was
+satisfied with his scrutiny, though he was, of course, unconscious of
+the means by which the civility shown had been procured. It is to be
+hoped that we have not gone so far in the delineation of Dr. Wilkinson's
+school, without discovering that the spirit of honor and confidence was
+generally high among the young gentlemen, and, consequently, having
+promised to be friendly to Ferrers, each individual, in duty bound, did
+his utmost to fulfil that promise, and in a little while the stiffness
+attendant on the effort wore off, and Ferrers was, in appearance, in
+precisely the same position as before, to the great satisfaction of the
+doctor, who was much pleased with his pupils' conduct on the occasion.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+"Where is Louis Mortimer?" asked Hamilton, the next Saturday afternoon,
+about a quarter of an hour after dinner. "Does any one know where
+Louis Mortimer is?"
+
+"Here I am, Hamilton, _pret a vous servir_, as Monsieur Gregoire would
+say!" cried Louis, starting from behind the school-room door.
+
+"Are you engaged this afternoon?"
+
+"Never, when you want me!" exclaimed Louis.
+
+Hamilton looked gratified, but checked the expression as soon as he
+was aware of it.
+
+"That is not right, Louis; I never wish, and never ought, to be an
+excuse for breaking an engagement."
+
+"But suppose I make your possible requirements a condition of my
+engagements," said Louis, archly; "you have no objection to that,
+have you?"
+
+"Only I cannot imagine such a case."
+
+"Such is the case, however, this afternoon. I had the vanity to hope you
+would let me walk with you, and so only engaged myself conditionally."
+
+"To whom were you engaged in default of my sufferance?"
+
+"I was going to stay with Casson," replied Louis, hesitatingly. "He has
+a cold and headache, and he asked me if I would stay with him in the
+class-room, where he is obliged to stay while we are out."
+
+"Casson!" said Hamilton, contemptuously; "you were not talking to him
+just now?"
+
+"No; I was only listening to Ferrers. He was telling me about a wager
+Frank had just laid with Salisbury."
+
+"How is it you prefer Casson to your friend Clifton?"
+
+"Oh, Hamilton, I don't much like Casson; but he asked me, poor fellow.
+Charlie's engaged to West--our days are Sunday, Monday, and Thursday."
+
+"Which of you is first now?"
+
+"Charles is, to-day," said Louis; "he is so very clever, Hamilton."
+
+"I know he is; but you are older, and not a dunce, if you were not idle,
+Louis. Louis, I shall repudiate you, if you don't get past him."
+
+"That would be a terrible fate," said Louis, slipping his hand into
+Hamilton's. "I cannot tell you how I should miss your kind face and
+help. You have been such a very kind friend to me: but I have not been
+so very idle, Hamilton."
+
+"Yes, you have," returned Hamilton; "I am vexed with you, Louis. If I
+did not watch over you as I do, you would be as bad as you were last
+half. Don't tell me you can't keep before Clifton if you choose."
+
+Louis looked gravely in Hamilton's face, and put his other hand on that
+he held. Hamilton drew his own quickly away.
+
+"Lady Louisa," he said, "these affectionate demonstrations may do well
+enough for us alone, but keep them for private service, and don't let us
+play _Damon_ and _Pythia_ in this touching manner, to so large an
+audience. It partakes slightly of the absurd."
+
+Louis colored, and seemed a little hurt; but he replied, "I am afraid
+I am very girlish sometimes."
+
+"Incontrovertibly," said Hamilton, kindly laying his hand heavily on
+Louis' shoulder. "But we have no desire that any one should laugh at
+you but our royal self."
+
+"Are we going to the downs?" asked Louis.
+
+Before Hamilton could answer, Frank Digby, one of the large audience
+alluded to, came up. "Of course," he replied; "Hamilton is one of our
+party."
+
+"One of your party?" asked Hamilton.
+
+"Your majesty's oblivious of the fact," said Frank, "that among the
+many offices, honorary and distinctive, held by your most gracious
+self, the presidency of the 'Ashfield Cricket Club' is not altogether
+one of the most insignificant."
+
+"We will thank our faithful amanuensis to become our deputy this
+afternoon," said Hamilton; "having a great desire to refresh ourself
+with a quiet discourse on the beauties of Nature."
+
+"No cricket this afternoon, Hamilton!" cried Louis; "I shall be so
+much disappointed if you go!"
+
+"_No cricket!_" exclaimed Frank: "we will enter into a conspiracy, and
+dethrone Edward, if he refuses to come _instanter_."
+
+"Dethrone me by all means, this afternoon," said Hamilton; "my deposition
+will save me a great deal of trouble. I am only afraid that my freedom
+from state affairs would be of short duration; my subjects appear to be
+able to do so little without me."
+
+"Hear him!" exclaimed Jones, laughing; "hear king Log!"
+
+"No favoritism!" cried Smith; "I bar all partiality. We'll treat you in
+the Gaveston fashion, Louis, if you don't persuade your master to accede
+to our reasonable demands."
+
+"That would be treason against my own comforts," said Louis, laughing,
+and struggling unsuccessfully to rise from the ground, where he had been
+playfully thrown by Salisbury. "To the rescue! your majesty; I cry help!"
+
+"To the rescue!" shouted Reginald, pouncing suddenly upon Salisbury, and
+diverting his attention from Louis who would have recovered his feet, but
+for the intervention of one or two of the party.
+
+"Your majesty perceives," said Frank, "that a rebellion is already
+broken out. A word from you may compose all."
+
+"I have engaged to walk with Louis Mortimer, and I declare I will not
+stir anywhere without him," said Hamilton.
+
+"We cannot do without you, Hamilton," said Trevannion, who had just
+joined the council. "You are engaged for all the meetings."
+
+"Which meetings have no right to be convened without the concurrence
+of the president;--eh, Mr. Secretary?" rejoined Hamilton.
+
+"Of course you can please yourself," said Trevannion, proudly.
+
+"Let Louis get up, Jones," said Hamilton.
+
+"Does your majesty concede, or not?" said Jones, who was sitting
+upon Louis.
+
+"I will answer when you let him get up."
+
+Jones suffered Louis to rise, breathless and hot with his laughing
+exertions to free himself from durance vile.
+
+"I will come, on condition that Louis comes too."
+
+"Certainly," said Salisbury.
+
+"And join our game, mind," said Hamilton.
+
+"Oh!" exclaimed Smith; "that's decidedly another affair. You can't play,
+Sir Piers, can you?"
+
+"He can learn," said Hamilton, who was perfectly aware of his ignorance.
+
+"I've not the smallest objection," said Jones, "as I'm on the opposition
+side."
+
+"Nor I," cried Salisbury; "though I should be a loser, as is probable."
+
+"Really, Hamilton," exclaimed Trevannion, sulkily, "it's impossible!
+He'll only be in the way. I never saw such a fuss about a boy; it's
+quite absurd. If you want him, let him look on."
+
+"I don't like cricket," said Louis.
+
+"Humbug!" exclaimed Salisbury.
+
+"I shall be in the way, as Trevannion says," continued Louis; "I am
+sure I shall never learn."
+
+"'_Patientia et perseverantia omnia vincunt_,'" remarked Frank;
+"which may be freely translated in three ways:
+
+    'If a weary task you find it,
+     Persevere, and never mind it;'
+
+or,
+
+    'Never say die;'
+
+or, thirdly,
+
+    'If at first you don't succeed,--try, try again,'"
+
+"Louisa, I am ashamed for you," said Hamilton; "and insist
+on the exhibition of a more becoming spirit."
+
+"That's right, Hamilton," cried Reginald; "make him learn."
+
+Louis pleaded as much as he dared, in dread of a few thumps,
+friendly in intent, but vigorous in execution, from Salisbury,
+and a second shaking from Hamilton, but all in vain, and they
+sallied forth. Trevannion fastened on Hamilton, and grumbled
+ineffectual remonstrances till they reached a convenient spot
+for their game. Here, under the active supervision of Hamilton,
+Salisbury, and Reginald, Louis was duly initiated; and after a
+couple of hours' play they returned home, Louis being in some
+doubt as to whether his fingers were not all broken by the
+concussion of a cricket-ball, but otherwise more favorably
+disposed towards the game than heretofore. He was, likewise,
+not a little gratified by the evident interest most of the
+players took in his progress. Hamilton had entirely devoted
+himself to his instruction, encouraged him when he made an
+effort, and laughed at his cowardliness, and Salisbury had
+been scarcely less kind.
+
+As they entered the playground, Salisbury held up a silver
+pencil-case to Frank:
+
+"Remember, Frank," said he, warningly.
+
+"Do you think I've forgotten?" said Frank; "my memory's not quite
+so treacherous, Mr. Salisbury."
+
+"What's that, Salisbury?" said Jones.
+
+"Only my wager."
+
+"Wager!" repeated Hamilton. "What absurdity is Frank about to
+perpetrate now?"
+
+"He is going to make Casson swallow some medicine of his own
+concoction. My pencil-case against his purse, contents and all,
+he isn't able to do it. Casson's too sharp."
+
+"I am surprised," said Hamilton, "that Frank is not above playing
+tricks on that low boy. I thought you had had enough of it, Frank."
+
+Frank laughed;--"No, he has foiled me regularly twice lately, and
+I am determined to pay him off for shamming this afternoon."
+
+"I think it is real," said Louis.
+
+"Then he has all the more need of medicine," said Frank; "and if he
+supposes it, my physic will do him as much good as any one else's."
+
+"You'll certainly get yourself into some serious scrape some day
+with these practical jokes, Frank," said Hamilton. "It is a most
+ungentlemanly propensity."
+
+"Hear, hear," said Reginald.
+
+"What's that? Who goes there?" said Frank, directing the attention
+of the company to the figure of a tall woman neatly dressed in black
+silk, with an old-fashioned bonnet of the coal-scuttle species, who
+was crossing from the house to the playground at the moment; the lady
+in question being no other than the housekeeper, clothes-mender, &c.,
+to Dr. Wilkinson introduced by Mr. Frank Digby as Gruffy, more properly
+rejoicing in the name of Mrs. Guppy.
+
+"It's Gruffy, isn't it? Where is she going, I wonder."
+
+Without waiting for an answer, Frank flew round the house, and
+disappeared in the forbidden regions of the kitchen.
+
+"What is he after?" said Meredith. "I suspect we shall have some
+fun to-night."
+
+"I do wish Frank wouldn't be so fond of such nonsense," said Hamilton,
+angrily. "Come, Louis, and take a turn till the tea-bell rings."
+
+They had taken two or three turns up and down in front of the
+school-room, when the bell rang, and Frank Digby came back full
+of glee.
+
+"I've done it, Salisbury," he cried, as he threw his hat in the
+air. "I've done it. I shall kill two birds with one stone. I'm sure
+to win; it's all settled; only I must be allowed to put the school-room
+clock forward half an hour."
+
+"That wasn't in the bargain," said Salisbury.
+
+"It wasn't out of it, at any rate," said Frank.
+
+"It's all fair," said several voices; "he may do it which way
+he pleases."
+
+"Remember, _tace_," said Frank. "_Tace_ is the candle that
+lights Casson to bed to-night."
+
+"I promise nothing, Frank," said Hamilton.
+
+"Nevertheless you'll keep it," said Frank, laughing.
+
+When tea was over, Frank disappeared rather mysteriously.
+
+Salisbury had just begun to make use of one of the pile of books he had
+brought to the table in the class-room, when a notification was brought
+to him from the school-room, that Mrs. Guppy wanted to speak to him.
+
+"Bother take her!" he exclaimed. "Why can't she come and speak to me?
+Interrupting a fellow at his work! Don't take my place; I shall be back
+presently."
+
+Some time, however, elapsed, and no Salisbury. Now and then a few
+wonderments were expressed as to how Frank's wager would be won, and
+as to what Mrs. Guppy could want with Salisbury.
+
+"Where is Frank, I wonder?" said one. "Just see, Peters, if Casson's
+gone yet."
+
+Peters departed, and returned with the news that Casson had gone to bed
+a little while before.
+
+"The farce has begun, I suspect," said Meredith. "It's more than half
+an hour since Salisbury went,--and depend upon it, wherever he is,
+there is Frank."
+
+At this moment Salisbury rushed into the room, and throwing himself
+in a sitting posture on the floor, with his back against the wall as
+if completely exhausted, laughed on without uttering a word, till his
+mirth became so infectious, that nearly all the room joined him.
+
+"Well, Salisbury!" "Well, Salisbury!" "What is it?" "Tell us." "Have
+done laughing, do, you wretch, you merry-andrew." "Do be sensible."
+
+"Sensible!" groaned Salisbury, laying his head against a form;
+"oh, hold me, somebody--I'm quite knocked up with laughing. It's
+enough to make a fellow insensible for the rest of his life."
+
+"Well, what is it, madcap?" said Reginald, jumping up from his seat,
+and approaching him in a threatening attitude.
+
+"Frank Digby!" said Salisbury, going off into another paroxysm
+of laughter.
+
+"Shake him into a little sense, Mortimer," said Jones.
+
+"Come, Salisbury, what is it?" said several more, coming up to him.
+
+Salisbury sat upright and wiped his eyes.
+
+"It was the clearest case of stabbing a man with his own sword I ever
+saw. I don't know whether I shall ever get it out for laughing, but
+I'll try."
+
+Louis looked up at Hamilton, rather anxious to get nearer to Salisbury,
+but Hamilton wrote on as if determined neither to let Louis move, nor
+to pay any attention himself, and Louis dared not ask.
+
+"Well, you know, Mrs. Guppy sent for me. I went off in a beautiful humor,
+as you may imagine, and found her ladyship in a great dressing-gown,
+false front, and spectacles, surrounded by little boys in various stages
+of Saturday night's going to bed, tucking up Casson very comfortably.
+
+"'Oh, Mr. Salisbury,' said she, 'I'll speak with you presently,--will
+you be so good as to wait there a minute?'
+
+"Well, I thought she looked very odd, but she spoke just the same
+as ever; and being very cross, I said, 'I am in a hurry; perhaps
+when you've done you'll call on me in the study,' Whereupon her
+ladyship comes straight out of the room, and says on the landing,
+in Frank Digby's voice, 'Know me by this token, _I am mixing a
+black draught by the light of a Latin candle_.'"
+
+Salisbury burst out into a fresh fit of laughter, in which he was
+joined by all present except Hamilton, who steadily pursued his work
+with an unmoved countenance.
+
+"Well, you may imagine," said Salisbury, when he had recovered himself,
+"I wasn't in a hurry then. I came back and waited behind the door very
+patiently. You never saw any thing so exact--every motion and tone. He
+had pulled the curls over his eyes, and tied up his face with a great
+handkerchief over the cap, as Gruffy has been doing lately when she
+had the face-ache, and he went about among the little chaps in such
+a motherly, bustling way, it was quite affecting. Sally, who helped
+him, hadn't the least idea it wasn't Gruffy. However, the best of it
+is to come," said Salisbury, pausing a moment to recover the mirth
+which the recollection produced:--"He was stirring up a concoction
+of cold tea, ink and water, slate-pencil dust, sugar, mustard, and
+salt, when I thought" (Salisbury's voice trembled violently) "that I
+heard a step I ought to know, and I had hardly time to get completely
+behind the door when it was widely opened, and in walked the doctor!"
+
+A burst of uproarious mirth drowned the voice of the speaker. There
+was a broad smile on Hamilton's face, though he did not raise his head.
+As soon as Salisbury could speak, he continued:
+
+"'Oh!' said I to myself, 'it's all up with you, Mr. Frank,' and I
+felt a little desirous of concealing my small proportions as much
+as might be. What Frank might feel I can't say, but he seemed to
+be very busy, and, as he turned round to the doctor, put up his
+handkerchief to his face.
+
+"'Does your face ache, Mrs. Guppy?' says the doctor; and--imagine the
+impudence of the boy--he answered, it was a little troublesome. 'How
+is Clarke this evening?--I hear he has been asleep this afternoon.'
+I imagine Frank has as much idea of the identity of Clarke as I have--I
+don't even know who he is, much less that he was ill--but he answered
+just as Gruffy would do, with her handkerchief up to her mouth, 'Rather
+better, sir, I think--he was asleep when I saw him last, and I didn't
+disturb him.' 'Hem,' said the doctor, 'and who's this?'"
+
+The audience was here so convulsed with laughter that Salisbury could
+not proceed; Louis could not help joining the laugh, though rather
+checked by the immovable gravity of Hamilton's countenance.
+
+"Really, Hamilton," he said, "I wonder how Frank could tell such
+stories."
+
+"He doesn't think them so," said Hamilton, abruptly.
+
+"Well, Salisbury!" "Well, Salisbury!" exclaimed several impatient
+voices. "The impudence of the fellow." "How will he ever get out
+of it?" "Get on, Salisbury." "The idea of joking with the doctor."
+"Go on, Salisbury." "What a capital fellow he'd make for one of those
+escaping heroes in romances--he'd never stay to have his head cut off."
+
+"Well, and the doctor says, 'Who's this, Mrs. Guppy? Casson? How--what's
+the matter with you? How long have you been here?' 'Just come to bed,
+sir,' says Casson; and then the doctor makes a few inquiries about
+his terrible headache, et cetera; and Mrs. Guppy had a twinge of the
+toothache, and could only let the doctor know by little and little how
+she had thought it better to put him to bed.
+
+"'And that is medicine for him?'
+
+"The doctor looked very suspiciously at the cup, I fancy, for his tone
+was rather short and sulky. Frank seemed a little daunted, but he soon
+got up his spirits again, and, stirring up the mess, was just going to
+give it to Casson, when, lo! another strange footfall was heard; doctor
+turned round (I was in a state of fright, I assure you, lest he should
+discover me) and in marched the real Simon Pure! It was a picture--oh!
+if I had been an artist:--there stood Gruffy, in her best black silk,
+looking more puzzled than angry; Frank--I couldn't see what he looked
+like, but I'll suppose it, as he says--and doctor turning from one
+to the other with a face as red as a turkey-cock, and looking so
+magnificent!"
+
+[Illustration: The counterfeit Mrs. Guppy.]
+
+"Poor Frank!" exclaimed several laughing voices.
+
+"Well, at last Fudge found words, and in such a tone, exclaimed,
+'MRS. GUPPY! who is THIS, then?' Then she stormed out; 'Ay, sir, who
+is it, indeed? perhaps you will inquire.' I didn't see what followed,
+for my range of vision was rather circumscribed--but I imagine that
+doctor pulled off part of Frank's disguise, for the next words I heard
+were, '_Digby_, this is _intolerable_!' uttered in the doctor's most
+magnificent anger--'What is the meaning of this?' Frank said something
+about _a wager_ and _a little fun, meaning no harm_, et cetera; and
+Fudge gave him such a lecture, finishing off by declaring, that 'if he
+persisted in perpetrating such senseless follies he should find some
+other place to do so in than his house.' All the little boys were
+laughing, but doctor stopped them all with a thundering 'SILENCE!' and
+then he asked what Frank had in that cup. 'Cold tea, sir,' said Digby,
+quite meekly. 'And what's this at the bottom?' 'Sugar, sir,' I saw the
+doctor's face--it was not one to be trifled with, but there seemed
+a sort of grim smile there, too, when he gave the cup to Frank and
+insisted upon his drinking it all up; and Digby did it, too--he dared
+not refuse."
+
+Another peal of laughter rang through the room, in which Hamilton
+joined heartily.
+
+"Then," continued Salisbury, "doctor said he hoped he would feel
+a little better for his dose--and, becoming as grave as before, he
+desired he would return Mrs. Guppy's things, and beg her pardon for
+his impertinence."
+
+"He didn't do so, surely?" said Jones.
+
+"He did, though," replied Salisbury; "and I wouldn't have been him if
+he'd been obstinate; but he added--I wondered how even _he_ dared--_I've
+saved you a little trouble, ma'am, there are six of them in bed_."
+
+"Oh! oh! disgraceful!" exclaimed Hamilton.
+
+"What did Fudge say?" asked Smith.
+
+"'THIS TO MY FACE, SIR!' and then, what he was going to do I don't know,
+but Frank was quite frightened, and begged pardon so very humbly that
+at last Fudge let him off with five hundred lines of Virgil to be done
+before Wednesday evening, and then sent him to bed--and there he is,
+for he was too much alarmed to play any more tricks."
+
+"I'd have given something to have seen it," cried one, when the laugh
+was a little over.
+
+"I think," said Jones, "all things considered, that the doctor was
+tolerably lenient."
+
+"Oh! Digby's a little bit of a favorite, I fancy," said Meredith.
+
+"Not a bit," said Reginald. "What do you say, Hamilton?"
+
+"Nothing," said Hamilton, shortly.
+
+"One would think you never liked a joke, Hamilton," said Peters.
+
+"Nor do I, when it is so low as to be practical," said Hamilton.
+"I feel no sympathy whatever with him."
+
+The event furnished idle conversation enough for that evening, and it
+was long before it was forgotten; and, in spite of Frank's reiterated
+boast that he did not care, and his apparent participation in the
+mirth occasioned by his failure, it required the utmost exercise of
+his habitual good-humor to bear equally the untiring teasing of his
+school-fellows, and the still more trying coldness and sarcasm of
+his master, whose manner very perceptibly altered towards him for
+some time after. Casson took care that no one in the lower school
+should be ignorant of Frank's defeat, and stimulated the little boys
+to tease him--but this impertinence, being an insult to the dignity of
+the seniors, was revenged by them as a body, and the juvenile tormentors
+were too much awe-struck and alarmed to venture on a repetition of their
+offence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+During Louis' frequent walks with Hamilton, it must not be supposed
+that his home and home-doings were left out of the conversation; before
+very long, Hamilton had made an intimate mental acquaintance with all
+his little friend's family, their habits of life, and every other
+interesting particular Louis could remember. Hamilton was an excellent
+listener, and never laughed at Louis' fondness for home, and many were
+the extracts from home-letters with which he was favored; nay, sometimes
+whole letters were inflicted on him.
+
+Among the many delightful topics of home history, Louis dwelt on few
+with more pleasure and enthusiasm than the social musical evenings,
+and said so much on them, that Hamilton's curiosity was at length
+aroused, after hearing Louis sing two or three times, to wonder what
+a madrigal could be like. Louis tried to satisfy this craving by
+singing the treble part, and descanting eloquently on the manner in
+which the other parts ought to come in; but all in vain he repeated,
+"There now, Hamilton, you see this is the _contralto_ part; and when
+this bit of the _soprano_ is sung, it comes in so beautifully, and the
+bass is crossing it, and playing hide and seek with the tenor."
+
+Hamilton was obtuse, but at length, by fagging very hard with one
+or two boys in the school-room, and getting one of the ushers, who
+generally performed a second in all the musical efforts in the school,
+to make some kind of bass, Louis presented his choir one evening in the
+playground, and made them sing, to the great rapture of the audience.
+
+After this exhibition, the whole school seemed to have a fever for
+madrigals; nothing was heard about the playground but scraps of that
+which Louis had taken pains to drill into his party; and one or two
+came to Louis and Reginald to learn to take a second part. In play-hours,
+nothing seemed thought of but part-singing, and suddenly the propriety
+of giving a grand public concert was started; and after a serious debate,
+a singing-class was established, Louis being declared president, or
+master of the choir.
+
+We will not say how fussy Louis was on the occasion; but he went about
+very busily trying the voices of his school-fellows for a day or two
+after his appointment, and picking out the best tones for his pupils.
+Casson owned a very fine singing voice, though it was one of the most
+rude in speaking, and having been partially initiated in the mystery
+before, by Louis was declared a treasure. Frank Digby was another
+valuable acquisition; for, joined to an extremely soft, full _contralto_
+voice, he possessed, in common with his many accomplishments, a refined
+ear and almost intuitive power of chiming in melodiously with any thing.
+Salisbury was a very respectable bass, as things went; and Reginald, who
+was certainly incapacitated for singing treble, declared his intention of
+assisting him, being quite confident that his voice would be a desirable
+adjunct. The members of the class having at last been decided on, a
+subscription was raised, and Hamilton was commissioned to purchase what
+was necessary, the first convenient opportunity; and accordingly, the
+next half-holiday, he obtained leave for Louis to accompany him, and
+set off on his commission. He had scarcely left the school-room when
+Trevannion met him, and volunteered to accompany him.
+
+"I shall be very glad of your company," said Hamilton; "I am going to
+choose the music. You may stare when I talk of choosing music--it is
+well I have so powerful an auxiliary, or I am afraid I should not give
+much satisfaction to our committee of taste."
+
+"What powerful auxiliary are you depending on?" said Trevannion;
+"I shall be a poor one."
+
+"You--oh, yes!" exclaimed Hamilton; "a very poor one, I suspect.
+I was speaking of Louis Mortimer; he is going with me."
+
+"Indeed," said Trevannion, coldly; "you will not want me, then!"
+
+"Why not?" asked Hamilton. "We shall, I assure you, be very glad of
+your company."
+
+"So will Hutton and Salisbury," said Trevannion; "and I can endure my
+own company when I am not wanted;" as he spoke, he walked away.
+
+Hamilton turned, and looked after his retreating figure, as, drawn up
+to its full height, it quickly disappeared in the crowd of boys, who
+were chaffering with the old cake-man. His puzzled countenance soon
+resumed its accustomed gravity, and with a slight curl of the lip,
+he laid his hand on Louis' arm, and drew him on.
+
+"Trevannion is offended," said Louis.
+
+"He's welcome," was the rejoinder.
+
+"But it is on my account, Hamilton," said Louis, anxiously;
+"I cannot bear that you should quarrel with him for me."
+
+"I have not quarrelled," said Hamilton, coldly. "If he chooses
+to be offended, I can't help it."
+
+"But he is an older friend than I am in two senses--let me go after
+him and tell him I am not going. I can go with you another afternoon."
+
+Louis drew his arm away as he spoke, and was starting off, when
+Hamilton seized him quite roughly, and exclaimed in an angry tone,
+"You shall do no such thing, Louis! Does he suppose I am to have no
+one else but himself for my friend--_friend_, indeed!" he repeated.
+"It's all indolence, Louis."
+
+Louis looked up half alarmed, startled at his vehemence.
+
+"Perhaps," said Hamilton, relaxing his hold, and laughing as he spoke,
+"perhaps if I had not been so lazy, I should have found a more suitable
+friend before; as it is, I do not yet find Trevannion indispensable--by
+no means," he added, scornfully.
+
+"Dear Hamilton," said Louis, "I shall be quite unhappy if I think I am
+the cause of your thinking ill of Trevannion. You used to be such great
+friends."
+
+"None the worse, perhaps, because we are aware of a common absence
+of perfection in each other," replied Hamilton, whose countenance had
+gradually regained its calmness. "It is foolish to be angry, Louis,
+but I was; and now let there be an end of it--I don't mean to forsake
+you for all the Trevannions in Christendom."
+
+They had by this time reached the playground gates, and were here
+overtaken by Frank Digby, who had before engaged to be one of the
+party.
+
+"Better late than never," said Louis, in reply to his breathless
+excuses. "I had my doubts whether your pressing engagements with
+Maister Dunn would allow you to accompany us."
+
+"Why, I got rid of him pretty soon," said Frank; "only just as I had
+wedged myself out of the phalanx, who should appear but Thally."
+
+"_Who?_" said Louis.
+
+"Tharah," repeated Frank.
+
+"Sally Simmons, the boot-cleaner, Louis," said Hamilton;
+"you are up to nothing yet."
+
+"She's a queer stick," said Frank.
+
+"What a strange description of a woman!" remarked Louis.
+"It is as clear as a person being a brick."
+
+"And so it is," replied Frank; "only it's just the reverse."
+
+"Up comes Thally with my Sunday boots as bright as her fair hands
+could make them, and wanted me to look at a hole she had scraped in
+them, nor, though I promised to give her my opinion of her handiwork
+when I came back, was I allowed to depart till she had permission
+to take them to her 'fayther.'"
+
+Nothing worthy of record passed during the walk to Bristol till
+the trio reached College Green. Here Louis began to look out for
+music-shops, while Frank entertained his companions with a running
+commentary on the shops, carriages, and people. It was a clear, bright
+day, and Clifton seemed to have poured itself out in the Green.
+
+"Look there, Hamilton, there's a whiskered don! What a pair of
+moustaches! Hamilton, where is your eye-glass? Here's Trevannion's
+shadow--was there ever such a Paris! Good gracious! as the ladies say,
+what a frightful bonnet! Isn't that a love of a silk, Louis? Now,
+Hamilton, did you ever see such a guy?"
+
+Hamilton was annoyed at these remarks, made by no means in a low tone,
+and, in his eagerness to change the conversation and get further from
+Frank, he unfortunately ran against a lady who was getting out of a
+carriage just drawn up in front of a large linen-draper's shop, much
+to the indignation of a young gentleman who attended her.
+
+Hamilton begged pardon, with a crimson face; and, as the lady kindly
+assured him she was not hurt, Louis recognized in her his quondam
+friend, Mrs. Paget, and darted forward to claim her acquaintance.
+
+[Illustration: The meeting with Mrs. Paget.]
+
+"What, Louis! my little Master Louis!" exclaimed the lady;
+"I did not expect to see you. Where have you come from?"
+
+"I am at school, ma'am, at Dr. Wilkinson's, and I had leave to come
+out with Hamilton this afternoon. This is Hamilton, ma'am--Hamilton,
+this is Mrs. Paget."
+
+"Our rencontre, Mr. Hamilton," said the lady, "has been most fortunate;
+for without this contretemps I should have been quite ignorant of Master
+Louis' being so near--you must come and see me, dear. Mr. Hamilton, I
+must take him home with me this afternoon."
+
+"It is impossible, ma'am," said Hamilton, bluntly; "I am answerable
+for him, and he must go back with me."
+
+"Can you be so inexorable?" said Mrs. Paget. "Will you come, too, and
+Mr. Francis Digby--I beg your pardon, Mr. Frank, I did not see you."
+
+"I beg yours, ma'am," replied the affable Frank, with a most engaging
+bow; "for I was so taken up with the tempting display on the green this
+afternoon, that I only became aware this moment of my approximation to
+yourself."
+
+"The shops are very gay, certainly; but I should have thought that
+you young gentlemen would not have cared much for the display. Now,
+a tailor's shop would have been much more in your taste."
+
+"Indeed, ma'am, we came out with the express purpose of buying a silk
+for the Lady Louisa."
+
+"I wonder any lady should commission you to buy any thing for her."
+
+"Oh!" replied Frank, "I am renowned for my taste; and Hamilton is
+equally well qualified. Can you recommend us a good milliner, ma'am?"
+
+"I am going to look at some bonnets," said the lady. "But, Mr. Frank, I
+half suspect you are quizzing. What Lady Louisa are you speaking of?"
+
+Frank had drawn up his face into a very grave and confidential twist,
+when Mrs. Paget's equerry, the young gentleman before mentioned, offered
+his arm, and, giving Frank a withering look, warned the lady of the time.
+
+"You are right. It is getting late," she said. "Good-bye, dear boy.
+Where are you now? Dr. Williams?"
+
+"Dr. Wilkinson's, Ashfield House," said Louis.
+
+"Henry, will you remember the address?" said the lady.
+
+The young gentleman grunted some kind of acquiescence; and,
+after due adieus, Mrs. Paget walked into the shop.
+
+"Frank, I'm ashamed of you," said Hamilton.
+
+"I am sure," replied Frank, "I've been doing all the work;
+I'm a walking exhibition of entertainment for man and beast."
+
+Hamilton would not laugh, and, finding all remonstrances
+unavailing, he quickened his pace and walked on in silence
+till they reached the music-seller's, where, after some
+deliberation, they obtained the requisite music, and, after
+a few more errands, began to retrace their steps.
+
+The walk home was very merry. Louis, having unfastened the bundle,
+tried over some of the songs, and taught Frank readily the contralto
+of two. Then he wanted to try Hamilton, but this in the open air
+Hamilton stoutly resisted, though he promised to make an effort at
+some future time. After Frank and Louis had sung their duets several
+times over to their own satisfaction while sitting under a hedge,
+all the party grew silent: there was something so beautiful in the
+stillness and brightness, that none felt inclined to disturb it.
+At last, Louis suddenly began Eve's hymn:
+
+    "How cheerful along the gay mead
+       The daisy and cowslip appear!
+     The flocks, as they carelessly feed,
+       Rejoice in the spring of the year;
+     The myrtles that shade the gay bowers,
+       The herbage that springs from the sod,
+     Trees, plants, cooling fruits, and sweet flowers,
+       All rise to the praise of my God.
+
+    "Shall man, the great master of all,
+       The only insensible prove?
+     Forbid it, fair gratitude's call!
+       Forbid it, devotion and love!
+     THEE, Lord, who such wonders canst raise,
+       And still canst destroy with a nod,
+     My lips shall incessantly praise,
+       My soul shall be wrapped in my God."
+                                            DR. ARNE.
+
+Frank joined in the latter part of the first verse, but was silent
+in the second.
+
+"Why did you not go on, Frank?" asked Hamilton.
+
+"It was too sweet," said Frank. "Louis, I envy you your thoughts."
+
+"Do you?" said Louis, looking up quickly in his cousin's face, with
+a bright expression of pleasure.
+
+"When you began that song," continued Frank, "I was thinking of
+those lines,
+
+    'These are Thy glorious works, Parent of good,
+     Almighty, Thine this universal frame,
+     Thus wondrous fair; Thyself how wondrous then!'"
+
+"'Thyself how wondrous then!'" repeated Hamilton, reverentially.
+
+"I don't know how it is, Louis," said Frank; "in cathedrals, and
+in beautiful scenery, when a grave fit comes over me, I sometimes
+think I should like to be religious."
+
+Louis squeezed his hand, but did not speak.
+
+"Take care, Frank," said Hamilton with some emotion. "Be very, very
+careful not to mistake sentiment for religion. I am sure it is so easy
+to imagine the emotion excited by beauty of sight or sound, religious,
+that we cannot, be too careful in examining the _reason_ of such
+feelings."
+
+"But how, Hamilton?" said Frank. "You would not check such impressions?"
+
+"No; it is better that our thoughts should be carried by beauty to the
+source of all beauty; but to a poetical, susceptible imagination this
+is often the case where there is not the least vital religion, Frank.
+The deist will gaze on the splendid landscape, and bow in reverence
+to the God of nature, but a Christian's thoughts should fly to his
+God at all times; the light and beauty of the scenes of nature should
+be within himself. When a person's whole religion consists in these
+transient emotions, he ought to mistrust it, Digby."
+
+"But, dear Hamilton," said Louis, after a few minutes' silence,
+"we ought to be thankful when God gives us the power of enjoying
+the beautiful things He has made. Would it not be ungrateful to
+check every happy feeling of gratitude and joy for the power to see,
+and hear, and enjoy, with gladness and thankfulness, the loveliness
+and blessings around?"
+
+"The height of ingratitude, dear Louis," said Hamilton, emphatically.
+"But I am sure you understand me."
+
+"To be sure," said Louis. "Many good gifts our Almighty Father has
+given us, and one perfect gift, and the good gifts should lead us to
+think more of the perfect ONE. I often have thought, Hamilton, of that
+little girl's nice remark that I read to you last Sunday, about the
+good and perfect gifts."
+
+Hamilton did not reply, and for a minute or two longer they sat in
+silence, when the report of a gun at a little distance roused them,
+and almost at the same instant, a little bird Louis had been watching
+as it flew into a large tree in front of them, fell wounded from branch
+to branch, until it rested on the lowest, where a flutter among the
+leaves told of its helpless sufferings.
+
+"I must get it, Hamilton!" cried Louis, starting up. "It is wounded."
+
+"The branch is too high," said Hamilton. "I dare say the poor thing is
+dying; we cannot do it any good."
+
+"Indeed I must try!" exclaimed Louis, scrambling partly up the immense
+trunk of the tree, and slipping down much more quickly. "I wish there
+were something to catch hold of, or to rest one's foot against."
+
+"You'll never get up," said Hamilton, laughing; "if you must get it,
+mount my shoulders."
+
+As he spoke he came under the tree, and Louis, availing himself of
+the proffered assistance, succeeded in reaching and bringing down the
+wounded bird, which he did with many expressions of gratitude to Hamilton.
+
+"I am sure you ought to be obliged," said Frank. "Royalty lending itself
+out as a ladder is an unheard-of anomaly. Pray, what are you going to do
+with cock-sparrow now you have got him?"
+
+Louis only replied by laying some grass and leaves in the bottom of
+his cap, and putting the bird on this extempore bed. He then seized
+Hamilton's arm and urged him forward. Hamilton responded to Louis'
+anxiety with some queries on the expediency of assisting wounded
+birds if pleasant walks were to be thereby curtailed, and Frank,
+after suggesting, to Louis' horror, the propriety of making a pie
+of his favorite, walked on, singing,
+
+    "A little cock-sparrow sat upon a tree,"
+
+which, with variations, lasted till they reached the playground gates,
+where Louis ran off to find Clifton, that he might enter into proper
+arrangements for due attendance on his sparrow's wants.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+  "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin; but he that
+   refraineth his lips is wise."--Prov. x. 19.
+
+  "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger,
+   and not thine own lips."--Prov. xxvii. 2.
+
+
+We are now considering Louis Mortimer under prosperity; a state
+in which it is much more difficult to be watchful, than in that
+of adversity. When he first came to school, his struggle was to
+be consistent in maintaining his principles against ridicule and
+fear of his fellow-creatures' judgment. In that he nearly failed;
+and then came the hard trial we have related, the furnace from
+whose fires he came so bright: and another trial awaited him, but
+different still.
+
+By the beauty of conduct Divine grace _alone_ had enabled him to observe,
+he now won the regard of the majority of his school-fellows; and no one
+meddled with him or his opinions. He was loved by many; liked by most,
+and unmolested by the rest. We are told, "When a man's ways please the
+Lord, even his enemies are at peace with him;" and this was Louis'
+case. If a few remarks were now and then made on the singularity and
+stiffness of his notions, the countenance of the seniors, and the
+general estimation in which he was held, prevented any annoyance or
+interference. His feet were now on smooth ground, and the sky was
+bright above his head; and he began to forget that a storm had
+ever been.
+
+One day between school-hours, when Louis and his brother were diligently
+drilling the chorus, they were summoned to the drawing-room, where they
+found the doctor standing talking with a lady, in the large bay-window.
+Her face was turned towards the prospect beyond, and she did not see
+them enter; and near her, leaning on the top of a high-backed chair,
+stood a tall gentlemanly youth, whom Louis immediately recognized as
+Mrs. Paget's esquire. The lady was speaking as they entered, and her
+gentle lady-like tones fell very pleasantly on Louis' ears, and made
+him sure he should like her, if even the words she had chosen had been
+otherwise.
+
+"I have been quite curious to see him; my sister has said so much,
+poor little fellow!"
+
+Dr. Wilkinson at this moment became aware of the presence of his pupils,
+and, turning round, introduced them to the lady, and the lady in turn
+to them, as Mrs. Norman.
+
+"I am personally a stranger to you, Master Mortimer," said Mrs. Norman;
+"but I have often heard of you. You know Mrs. Paget?"
+
+"Oh, yes!" replied Louis.
+
+"She is my sister, and, not being able to come herself to-day, she
+commissioned me to bring an invitation for you and your brother to
+spend the rest of this day with her, if Dr. Wilkinson will kindly
+allow it."
+
+[Illustration: The invitation.]
+
+Louis looked at Dr. Wilkinson; and Reginald answered for himself--
+
+"I am much obliged, ma'am; and, if you please, thank Mrs. Paget
+for me, but as it is not a half-holiday, I shall not be able to
+come this afternoon. I shall be very glad to come when school is
+over, if Dr. Wilkinson will allow me."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson smiled. "Mrs. Norman will, I am sure, excuse a
+school-boy's anxiety to retain a hard-earned place in his class,"
+he said. "I have given my permission, you may do as you please."
+
+"Mrs. Paget will be so much disappointed," said Mrs. Norman;
+"are you anxious about your class, too, Master Louis?"
+
+Louis blushed, hesitated, and then looked from Reginald to the doctor,
+but Dr. Wilkinson gave no assistance. Louis demurred a little; for he
+had a place to lose that he had gained only the day before, and that,
+probably, he might not be able to gain from Clifton for the rest of the
+half-year. But at length, on another persuasive remark from Mrs. Norman,
+he accepted the invitation in rather a confused manner; and, it being
+decided that Reginald was to join them at dinner, he went away to make
+some alteration in his dress. When he returned, Mrs. Norman carried
+him off in her carriage, which was waiting at the door, having first
+introduced him to her companion, as her son, Henry Norman.
+
+During the ride to Clifton, Louis became very communicative. He liked
+Mrs. Norman very much, she was so very sweet, and now and then made
+little remarks that reminded Louis of home; and then he was sure she
+liked him; even if he had not guessed that the few words he first heard
+from her lips referred to him, her very kind full eyes and affectionate
+manner spoke of unusual interest, and Louis felt very anxious to rise
+in her estimation. Things that are not sinful in themselves, become
+sins from the accompanying motives; the desire of favor in the eyes
+of so excellent a person was not wrong, had it been mixed with a wish
+to adorn the doctrine of Christ, and thankfulness for the love and favor
+given; but now Louis talked of things which, though he really believed
+them, and of feelings which, though he had once really experienced them,
+were not now the breathings of a heart that overflowed with all its
+fulness of gratitude. He had quickness enough to see what was most
+precious in his new friend's sight, and tried to ingratiate himself
+with her, by dwelling on these subjects, and showing how much he had
+felt on them. _Had felt_, for he had "left his first love."
+
+Let it not be supposed that Louis meant to deceive--he deceived himself
+as much as any one; but he was in that sad state when a Christian has
+backslidden so far as to live on the remembrance of old joys, instead
+of the actual possession of new.
+
+The carriage stopped, at length, at a house in York Crescent, where the
+trio alighted. Mrs. Norman led Louis up stairs into the drawing-room,
+while her son, who had scarcely spoken a word during the drive, stayed
+a minute or two at the house-door, and then ran down the nearest flight
+of steps leading to the carriage-road, jumped into the carriage, which
+was just driving off, and paid a visit to the stables.
+
+The room into which Louis entered was very large, and littered so
+with all descriptions of chairs, stools, and non-descript elegancies,
+that it required some little ingenuity to reach the further end without
+upsetting the one, or being overthrown by the others. Near one of the
+three windows, reclining on a sofa, was Mrs. Paget, who welcomed Louis
+with her usual warmth.
+
+"You see," said she, "I am a prisoner. I sprained my ankle the very
+day I saw you; and I am positively forbidden to walk. But where is
+Master Reginald?"
+
+Louis informed Mrs. Paget of his brother's intentions, and, after
+expressing her regrets at his non-appearance, the lady continued:
+
+"Now, sit near me, and let us have a little talk; I want to hear
+how you are going on, and how many prizes you are likely to get.
+But, perhaps, my dear, you would like to go on the downs, or into
+the town, or to----Where's Henry, I wonder: where is Mr. Norman?"
+she asked of a servant who came to remove a little tray that stood
+beside her.
+
+"Just gone round to the stables, ma'am."
+
+"Dear, how unfortunate! You can't think what a beautiful little horse
+he has; I tell him it is quite a lady's horse. He will show it to you.
+I can't think how he could go away this afternoon. You'll be very dull,
+my dear--but my sister will take you out."
+
+Louis assured her he should enjoy sitting with her.
+
+"That is very kind of you; very few of your age would care about
+staying with a lame, fidgety, old woman."
+
+Louis protested against the two last epithets, and as Mrs. Norman
+had left the room he began talking of the pleasant ride he had had
+with her, and how much he loved her.
+
+Mrs. Paget warmly admitted every thing, only adding that in some
+things she was a little too particular.
+
+"But, dear me! you must be very hungry," she exclaimed, interrupting
+herself. "How could I forget? Just ring the bell, dear boy--there's
+lunch down stairs. Oh, never mind, here is Charlotte."
+
+As she spoke, Mrs. Norman re-entered, and took Louis down to lunch.
+
+When he returned to the drawing-room, Mrs. Paget had her sofa moved
+so as to face the window, and a little table was placed in front of
+her. A low armchair was near her for Louis, and another quite in the
+window Mrs. Norman took possession of, when she had provided herself
+with some work.
+
+"Oh, what a beautiful view!" exclaimed Louis, as he looked for the
+first time out of the window. "How very, very beautiful! I think this
+is the pleasantest situation in Clifton."
+
+"It is very beautiful," said Mrs. Norman. "But you have a magnificent
+prospect at Dr. Wilkinson's."
+
+"Dr. Wilkinson's is a very nice place, I believe, is it not?" said
+Mrs. Paget. "It is a pity such a pretty place should be a school."
+
+"Nay," said Mrs. Norman, smiling; "why should you grudge the poor
+boys their pleasure?"
+
+"I don't think they appreciate it," said Mrs. Paget; "and, poor
+fellows, they are always so miserable that they might as well be
+miserable somewhere else."
+
+"We are not at all miserable after the first week," said Louis.
+
+"I thought you were not to go to school again, my dear," said
+Mrs. Paget.
+
+"So I thought, myself, but papa wished me to go, and he is the
+best judge."
+
+"Well, dear it's a very nice thing that you are wise enough to see
+it,--and you are happy?"
+
+"I should be very ungrateful not to be so ma'am; Dr. Wilkinson and
+all the boys are so kind to me this half. It is so different from
+the first quarter spent at school."
+
+"They are kind, are they? Well, I dare say; they couldn't help it,
+I'm sure," replied Mrs. Paget. "I suppose you will have the medal
+again this half year. I am sure you ought to have it to make up."
+
+"Oh, but I shouldn't have it to make up for last half, ma'am,"
+said Louis, smiling.
+
+"But you will get it, I dare say," said the lady.
+
+"I don't know," said Louis; "perhaps--I think I have a very good
+chance yet, but we never can tell exactly what Dr. Wilkinson thinks
+about us. There are only one or two I am afraid of."
+
+"I should think you needn't be afraid of any," said Mrs. Paget. "I
+told you, Charlotte, about that story we heard at Heronhurst last
+summer--dear boy--you know he bore--"
+
+"Yes," interrupted Mrs. Norman. "You have a large number of
+school-fellows, Master Louis," she added.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, there are seventy-six of us this half, so many that
+we hardly know the names of the lower school."
+
+"Is that M. _Ferrar_ or _Ferrers_ there still?" asked Mrs. Paget.
+
+"Yes, ma'am, and he is so much improved, you cannot think."
+
+Louis looked very earnestly at her as she spoke, and she put her
+hand on his forehead, stroking his hair off, while she replied,
+
+"He is very happy in having so kind a friend, I am sure; he ought
+to have been expelled."
+
+"Oh no, ma'am--I think kindness was much the best way," said Louis;
+and remembering how incautiously he had spoken of him before, he said
+all that he could in his praise.
+
+The conversation then turned upon the school in general, and it
+was astonishing to watch how much Louis said indirectly in his own
+praise, and how nearly every thing seemed to turn in the direction
+of _dear self_, in the history of his lessons, progress, and rivals--and
+even when it branched off to his friends, among whom in the first rank
+stood Hamilton.
+
+"You would so like Hamilton, he is so kind to me. I told you about him
+before," said Louis, eagerly.
+
+"Is that the young gentleman who had charge of you the other day?"
+asked Mrs. Paget.
+
+Louis answered in the affirmative.
+
+"I did not much like him, only one doesn't judge people fairly
+at first, often."
+
+"Oh, Hamilton's such a good creature!" exclaimed Louis, in his energy
+letting fall one end of a skein of silk he was holding. He gathered it
+up, apologized, and resumed his defence of his friend.
+
+"He is, perhaps, a little blunt, but he is so sincere, and so steady
+and kind, Dr. Wilkinson is very, _very_ fond of him, I know; he
+makes me sit by him every night, and I learn my lessons with him.
+I am sure if it were not for him I should be terribly behind Clifton."
+
+"I saw them coming out of Redland Chapel yesterday morning," said
+Mrs. Paget. "At least I saw Mr. Hamilton, but I did not see you."
+
+Louis informed her of the division of the school on Sunday, and she
+continued,
+
+"I noticed a very aristocratic young gentleman with Mr. Hamilton--quite
+a contrast, so very handsome and elegant; who was he?"
+
+"Was he tall?" asked Louis; "and dressed in black, with a light
+waistcoat?"
+
+"I don't know what waistcoat he had," said Mrs. Paget, laughing.
+"His dress was in perfect gentlemanly taste. He was, I should think,
+tall for his age, and had dark hair and eyes."
+
+"I have no doubt it was Trevannion; he is the handsomest fellow in the
+school, except Salisbury."
+
+"That he is not," said Mrs. Paget, significantly.
+
+Louis blushed, and felt rather foolish, certainly not wholly insensible
+to the injudicious hint.
+
+"Only Fred Salisbury is so different: he is not elegant, and yet he
+is not awkward; he is rough and ready, and says all kinds of vulgar
+things. He is very much liked among us, but I don't think Trevannion
+is, though he gets his own way a great deal: he thinks nobody is equal
+to himself, I know, but I am sure he is not a favorite."
+
+"Why not?" said Mrs. Paget.
+
+"He is so very selfish, and so contemptuous, and so dreadfully offended
+if Hamilton does not treat him with the deference he wants. I think we
+know more of each other than any one else does, and no one would think,
+in company, when Trevannion is smiling and talking so cleverly, that he
+is so unamiable."
+
+"He does not look like an ill-tempered person," said the lady.
+
+"I don't think he is what is generally called an ill-tempered person;
+for he never puts himself into passions, nor does he seem to mind many
+things that make others very angry. But he is sometimes dreadfully
+disdainful and haughty when any one offends him, and especially when
+Hamilton seems to like anybody as well as himself. Only last Saturday
+he was so much affronted because Hamilton had asked leave for me to go
+into Bristol with him. When he found I was coming, he wouldn't go with
+us. I think he is very jealous of me, though I begged Hamilton to let
+me stay at home, and I was just going after him to call him back, only
+Hamilton wouldn't let me. I did not like to see such old friends quarrel.
+I am sure I would very gladly have stayed at home to keep peace."
+
+"I am quite sure of that," said Mrs. Paget. "But how came your perfect
+Mr. Hamilton to choose such a friend?"
+
+"I have often wondered," said Louis; "and last Saturday, when that
+happened that I told you of just now, and Hamilton (he is so kind)
+said he wouldn't give me up for anybody, he said he thought he made
+Trevannion his friend because he was too lazy to find another for
+himself."
+
+"_Too lazy to find another?_" repeated Mrs. Paget.
+
+"Hamilton does not like taking trouble, generally," said Louis;
+"it is his greatest fault, I think. He takes things as they come.
+I have often wished he would concern himself a little more about
+the wrong things that go on among us. You know it would be of no
+use my speaking about them, though I try sometimes; it is so much
+easier to do right when the great boys support you."
+
+"So it is, dear," said Mrs. Paget, kindly.
+
+Mrs. Norman had scarcely spoken during the whole conversation, though
+she had once or twice laid down her work and looked very gravely at
+Louis; but he had not noticed it; for he was so elated with himself,
+and the relations of his own importance at school, and the idea of his
+superiority above his school-fellows, that there was no room for any
+thing else in his head, and he went on with the firm conviction that
+both the ladies were, like every one else, extremely delighted and
+interested in him and his sentiments. There had been another auditor
+in the room almost ever since the beginning of the long chat, and that
+was Henry Norman, who, when he had seen his horse and lunched, entered
+the room unperceived by Louis or Mrs. Paget, and passed noiselessly
+along to the furthest window, where he sat, with a book, hid by the
+curtains from a careless glance. A few words caught his ear as he
+was finding out his place; and, whether the matter of the first page
+required deep consideration and digestion or not, we cannot pretend
+to determine, not knowing the nature of the chosen volume, but it is
+certain that that leaf was not turned over that afternoon, and the
+eyes that professed to convey its meaning to the mind of the reader
+not unfrequently wandered on the hills in the distant prospect, or,
+on being recalled, on the nearer objects of Mrs. Paget's sofa--the
+skein of silk and the pair of hands, which were the only portions
+visible to him of the loquacious little visitor. That he was listening
+with interest of an equivocal nature might be gathered from the
+frequent, impatient knitting of the brow, biting of the lips, and
+sudden laying down of the book altogether; but there he sat till Louis,
+having flown off from Hamilton to the general school failings, had
+finished relating the history of Frank Digby's memorable Saturday
+night's exploit, and concluded by an emphatic delivery of his upright
+sentiments on the heinousness of practical jokes. He paused a minute
+to take breath, after a Philippic that elicited a small dose of
+flattery from Mrs. Paget, and, with a face flushed with satisfaction
+and excitement, stooped to pick up a fallen pair of scissors, when
+Mrs. Norman, laying down her work looked again at him and uttered a
+sound indicative of an intention of speaking. This time Louis was
+fully aware of an expression in her countenance far from satisfactory,
+but she had not time to express her sentiments, for at this moment
+Reginald was announced, and a general move took place. Henry Norman
+came forward and welcomed him, and then took him and Louis out on
+the Crescent till dinner-time. Here they were joined by some of
+Norman's acquaintances, whom he introduced to his visitors. Louis
+thought uncomfortably, for a few minutes, of Mrs. Norman's look of
+disapprobation; but he persuaded himself that there was nothing meant
+by it, and soon became very lively. There was something he did not like
+about Norman, who, though perfectly well-bred and attentive, showed a
+degree of indifference and disregard to any thing he said or did, that
+did not altogether suit Louis' present state of mind. If Louis addressed
+him, he listened very politely, but with a slight, sarcastic smile, and
+either returned a very short and cool reply, or, if the remark did not
+require one, an inclination of the head, and turned immediately to one
+of his other companions. Reginald did not much fancy him; but, upon the
+whole, they managed to pass the time very pleasantly till they were
+summoned to dinner.
+
+Several persons came in in the evening, and Louis was called upon by
+Mrs. Paget to sing, "_Where the bee sucks_." This led to other
+songs, and Louis attracted the notice of a musical gentleman, who was
+much pleased with him, and who gave him a general invitation to his
+house. Louis was in the midst of his thanks when Reginald summoned him
+to go home, and, in spite of Mrs. Paget's remonstrances and offers of
+her carriage, carried his point.
+
+"Well, Louis, how did you get on?" said Reginald, as they were walking
+home; "I think you must have been dreadfully bored with holding skeins
+and talking fine for Mrs. Paget's edification for two hours at least,
+to say nothing of all the stuffing you have had this evening."
+
+"Oh! I have been very happy," said Louis. "Do you know Mr. Fraser has
+invited me to his musical parties?"
+
+"I wish you joy, I am sure. What a nice woman Mrs. Norman seems!"
+
+"Yes," said Louis, doubtfully.
+
+"_Yes_--that sounds very much like _no_," said Reginald.
+
+"I did not mean it." Louis recalled her manner lately towards him,
+and mentally went over the conversation of the day.
+
+"Well, what's the matter?" asked Reginald.
+
+"I am afraid I have been very foolish; I talk so foolishly sometimes,
+Reginald--I said so many foolish things this afternoon. I don't think
+Mrs. Norman likes me."
+
+"Rubbish! stuff and nonsense! Just like you, Louis, always imagining
+somebody's displeased with you--I won't hear a word more; I have no
+patience with you."
+
+"Then you don't think she seemed vexed with me?"
+
+"Not I; and if she were, what's the odds? What difference need she make
+in your happiness? What a wretched creature you'll make of yourself,
+Louis, if you think so much of the opinion of every one--a person, too,
+you may never see again."
+
+Louis was relieved, and talked on other matters with his brother till
+they reached home. He was a little annoyed to hear that Hamilton had
+expressed considerable vexation at his going with Mrs. Norman before
+afternoon school, and this, combined with the excitement and vanity
+under which he labored, disturbed considerably the tranquillity of
+his slumbers, and prevented his earnestly seeking that aid he so much
+needed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+  "A talebearer revealeth secrets; but he that is of a faithful
+   spirit concealeth the matter."--Prov. xi. 13.
+
+  "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love, but he that
+   repeateth a matter separateth very friends."--Prov. xvii. 9.
+
+  "When pride cometh, then cometh shame."--Prov. xi. 2.
+
+  "A haughty spirit goeth before a fall."--Prov. xvi. 18.
+
+
+Perhaps those who have read the first part of the story of Louis
+Mortimer will remember that I there endeavored to explain the nature
+of the Christian's warfare, and that I stated that there were sad
+periods when the Christian, too confident in his own strength, perhaps
+too much inclined to exult in his victories as evincing some latent
+power in _himself_, becomes less watchful, and gradually falls back
+in his glorious course. It is certain, that if we do not advance
+we go back, and oh, how sad it is that redeemed sinners, called by
+so holy a name as that of Christian, should, in any degree, forget
+to whom they owe all their might to do well, as well as their final
+salvation, that they should relax, in the least, their prayers, their
+efforts in the strength of the Holy Spirit to press forward towards
+the mark of the prize of their high calling. It is not that all those
+who thus sadly backslide are allowed to fall into open sin. Many, by
+the great mercy of their Lord, are preserved from thus dishonoring
+His holy name and cause; but alas! too often is there a falling off
+in devotion, in singleness of heart, in perseverance, in watchfulness
+against besetting sins, when the prayers are fewer and colder, the
+praises fainter, and the Christian, after languishing for a time
+in this divided state, hardly making an effort to return, becomes
+conscious, to his alarm, how far he has wandered, and feels with
+our sweet poet, in the bitterness of his spirit,
+
+
+    "Where is the blessedness I knew,
+       When first I saw the Lord?
+     Where is the soul-refreshing view
+       Of Jesus and His word?
+
+    "The peaceful hours I once enjoyed
+       How sweet their memory still!
+     But they have left an _aching void_
+       _The world can never fill_."
+
+For the next fortnight the singing class was indefatigable, and owing
+to the cultivated taste of Louis and Reginald, and the superior musical
+education of one or two others, among whom Mr. Witworth and Frank were
+not the least in importance, the members at length considered themselves
+competent to exhibit before an audience.
+
+Accordingly, after Dr. Wilkinson had been favored with a specimen
+of their skill, his permission was obtained to invite such of their
+friends as they chose.
+
+Tickets of admission, which had been prepared before-hand, were then
+sent out in various directions, accompanied by notes of invitation.
+As soon as Mrs. Paget's arrived at its destination, a most kind answer
+was dispatched to Louis as president, adding a request to be allowed
+to provide refreshment for the performers; and, as her proposal was
+hailed with three cheers, and gracefully accepted by Louis, on the
+morning of the eventful day came grapes, peaches, biscuits, and wine,
+which were very elegantly set out in the class-room by the committee.
+
+The concert passed off as propitiously as could be wished. Hamilton,
+who, from utter want of ear, was totally incapacitated for singing,
+acted the part of steward with Trevannion, Meredith, and one or two
+others, with great decorum, and actually stood near Mrs. Paget during
+part of the performance, listening quietly to Louis' praises with such
+evident interest, that a few words of commendation he uttered quite
+won the lady's heart, though she had certainly been prejudiced against
+him before. It was remarked by some, that the doctor did not seem much
+pleased with Louis' manners on this occasion; for, when Mrs. Paget,
+between the parts, began to praise Louis' extraordinary musical
+talents (as she was pleased to call them), and to relate how much
+he pleased the company at her house, Dr. Wilkinson coolly replied,
+that he considered he had been well taught, but doubted his having
+more than an average good taste and general ability; and as his eye
+turned upon Louis, who was moving rather affectedly and conceitedly
+from rank to rank on his way to the refreshment-room, his forehead
+wrinkled ominously, and his lips became more tightly compressed. He
+was observed to watch Louis for a minute, and then turn suddenly away
+as if disgusted.
+
+The madrigal concert took place about the end of the quarter, and on the
+following Saturday afternoon, the monotony of Ashfield House was varied
+by the arrival of a new scholar, in the person of Mr. Henry Norman, who
+was placed as a parlor boarder with the doctor.
+
+When Hamilton and Louis returned from the playground together,
+they discovered this young gentleman sitting on the table, carefully
+balancing the doctor's chair with one of his feet, deeply immersed
+in the contents of a new book with only partially cut leaves, left
+by accident on the table. His back was turned towards them, and he
+was so engrossed in the twofold occupation of reading and keeping the
+heavy chair from falling, that he did not notice their entrance, and
+Louis, not recognizing his figure at first, nor knowing that he was
+expected, left the business of welcoming the stranger to his senior.
+
+"Our new school-fellow, Louis, I suppose," said Hamilton, in a low tone,
+as he scrutinized the lengthy figure before him. "I know that fellow,
+Louis--he is a friend of yours."
+
+Before Louis had time to answer, the low murmur had disturbed
+Norman; and, looking up without altering his position in the least,
+he acknowledged his acquaintance with Louis by a nod, and a careless
+"How do you do?"
+
+Louis advanced directly with a warm welcome and out-stretched hand
+that was met by two fingers of Norman's left hand, tendered in a
+manner so offensive to Hamilton that he debated whether he should
+turn the intruder out of window, or walk himself out of the door;
+and concluded by drawing back in disdainful anger.
+
+Louis was not so ready to take offence, though he was sensitive
+enough to feel a little hurt; and, turning round to his friend,
+introduced Norman to him.
+
+Norman took a steady quick glance at Hamilton, and, though his lips
+were full of propriety, there was something like a sarcastic smile
+in his eyes.
+
+"You are not altogether a stranger to me, Mr. Hamilton, though,
+I imagine, I am to you," he said, as he allowed the chair to regain
+its legs, and got off the table, throwing the book on another,
+several yards distant.
+
+"I must confess you have the advantage of me," said Hamilton,
+coldly. "I was not aware that I had the honor of being known
+to you."
+
+"I assure you, then, that you had that honor.--Dear me!" he
+added, as he threw himself into the doctor's chair, stretching
+out his legs to their utmost length: "absurd of me to sit on that
+table, when I might have initiated myself so admirably into the
+art of reading made easy. Comfortable chair this of Fudge's--I beg
+his pardon, Dr. Wilkinson's. I am so accustomed to that elegant
+_nom du guerre_ that I occasionally forget myself. The old
+gentleman knows how to make himself comfortable; I suppose that
+book belongs to him. I took the liberty of cutting a few leaves."
+
+"Which will be a peculiar satisfaction to him, doubtless," said
+Hamilton; "and perhaps you may have the pleasure of hearing so
+from his own lips."
+
+"_Verbum sat_," replied Norman. "It is a peculiar gratification,
+Mr. Hamilton, to discover that your natural good sense is overcoming
+your usual disinclination to notice those things which are not
+_comme il faut_ in your school-fellows, thereby depriving them of the
+aid of your countenance and example in their little endeavors; and
+I feel peculiar satisfaction in thus early becoming the recipient of
+the good services bestowed by the blunt sincerity and kindliness
+of your nature."
+
+Hamilton crimsoned and stared; but there was nothing insolent in the
+tone; it was inexplicable. That something was meant he could not doubt;
+and presently, perceiving that Louis was uncomfortable and embarrassed,
+he said haughtily,
+
+"I really am at a loss to understand you, sir; but your manner towards
+your friend and mine is particularly unpleasant. What you may have
+been used to I cannot pretend to know; but, whatever it be, you will
+be kind enough to remember that here we are accustomed to the society
+of gentlemen, and to treat each other as such."
+
+"My dear Mr. Hamilton," said Norman, blandly, slightly moving as if to
+arrest Hamilton's progress towards the door, "you entirely misunderstand
+me. Master Mortimer and I now understand each other better. Indeed, I am
+laid under a weighty obligation to Master Louis for my acquaintance with
+your royal self and various members of your court; and could not possibly
+have any intention of quarrelling with so kind a benefactor. As for you,
+I have made up my mind to know and like you. Shake hands, will you?"
+
+Hamilton hesitatingly touched the proffered hand, and looking at his
+watch at the same moment, wondered to Louis why tea was not ready.
+
+"There's the bell!" exclaimed Louis; and seizing Hamilton's arm,
+he hurried off, leaving Norman to follow at his leisure, as neither
+Hamilton nor himself felt at all inclined to be ceremonious.
+
+Louis felt a little afraid of Norman, though he did not exactly
+know why.
+
+Norman did not follow them immediately; and Hamilton had nearly
+emptied his first cup of tea when he came in, in company with
+Trevannion and Frank Digby, the latter of whom had a marvellous
+facility for making acquaintances on the shortest notice. They
+sat down at the end of one of the three long tables, and continued
+laughing and talking the whole of the tea-time, after which Norman
+went to his own tea with the doctor.
+
+"So, Louis, Norman's come!" exclaimed Reginald, pouncing upon his
+brother just as he reached the school-room door.
+
+"Is he a friend of yours?" asked Trevannion.
+
+"He is, and he is not. Make that riddle out at your leisure,"
+replied Reginald, gayly.
+
+"Oh, that settles the matter!" said Trevannion.
+
+"What matter?" asked Louis.
+
+A look of the most withering description was the only answer
+Louis received; it was enough, however, to deter him from
+repeating his question.
+
+Happily, Reginald did not see it.
+
+"How do you like our new-comer, Trevannion?" asked Hamilton,
+linking his arm in his friend's, preparatory to a short, after-tea
+turn in the playground. "There is something very peculiar about
+him--insolent, I think."
+
+"He's a nice fellow, in my opinion," said Trevannion.
+
+"A very knowing chap," said Salisbury. "Has he been here before?"
+
+"No," said Frank Digby; "but somebody's been kind enough to give
+the full particulars, history, and lives, peccadilloes, _et cetera_,
+_et cetera_, _et cetera_, of the gentlemen, generally, and individually,
+at Ashfield Academy. Why, Hamilton, he called Trevannion and Salisbury
+by their names, without any introduction, and is as much up to every
+thing here as yourself, I believe."
+
+"I don't much fancy him," said Hamilton; "and strongly suspect he won't
+add much to our comfort."
+
+"He doesn't like your pet, I suppose, then," said Trevannion,
+marking the slight color that rose in Hamilton's face. "He told
+me of your strange rencontre in the class-room; he has taken a
+fancy, I am sure, to you."
+
+Hamilton did not look particularly delighted, and changed the subject
+to one on which he and Trevannion conversed most amicably till past
+their usual time for re-entering the study.
+
+Norman did not come among them that evening till prayer-time; and,
+to his great satisfaction, Louis saw very little of him for the next
+day or two.
+
+One day, during the first week of Norman's initiation, at the close
+of the morning school, a party similar in size and kind to that which
+had the honor of greeting Louis on his arrival the preceding half-year,
+was assembled on the raised end of the school-room. Frank and Salisbury
+were both of them seated on the top of a desk; the former, generally
+silent, relieved himself by sundry twists and contortions, smacking of
+the lips, sighs, and turnings of the eyes, varied by a few occasional
+thumps administered to Salisbury, who sat by him, apparently unconscious
+of the bellicose attitude of his neighbor, listening attentively, with
+a mixed expression of concern and anger on his honest countenance, to
+Norman, who, on this occasion, was the principal speaker. Louis was
+in the room, at his desk, hunting for a top; but too intent upon his
+search, and too far off to hear more of the topics that engrossed so
+much attention, than a few words that conveyed no impression to him,
+being simply, "Ferrers--my aunt--clever--hypocritical."
+
+Just as he had given up all hope of finding his top, Hamilton came up
+to him. "Louis," said he, "if Trevannion goes out with me, I shall have
+time to hear your Herodotus before afternoon school, directly after
+dinner, mind."
+
+"I shan't forget;--oh, Hamilton, you haven't such a thing as another
+top, have you? Reginald's broken two of mine, and I can't find my other."
+
+"I do happen to have taken care of yours for you, you careless boy.
+Here is my desk-key, you will find it there; you can give me the key
+after dinner."
+
+With many thanks, Louis proceeded to Hamilton's desk, and Hamilton went
+up to Trevannion, who was one of the party at the upper end of the room.
+Louis was now so near the speakers, as to be unavoidably within hearing
+of all that passed; and, astonished by the first few words, he proceeded
+no further in his errand than putting the key into the lock.
+
+"Are you inclined for a walk, Trevannion?" asked Hamilton, as he
+reached him.
+
+Trevannion was leaning against the doctor's desk, in a more perturbed
+state than his calm self usually exhibited. As Hamilton spoke, he turned
+round, stared, and drew himself proudly up, replying, in a tone of great
+bitterness, "Thank you, Mr. Hamilton, but perhaps if you _will_ take the
+trouble, you may find some one better suited to you than myself."
+
+"What is the matter?" said Hamilton.
+
+"Some of your friends appear to have better memories than yourself,"
+replied Trevannion, folding his arms, and assuming an indifferent air;
+"you will, perhaps, not find mine quite so capricious; I am much obliged
+for all favors bestowed, Mr. Hamilton. Perhaps you considered me too
+lazy to look out for another friend; I am active enough, I assure you,
+to provide myself with one, and to release you from the irksome ties
+your indolence has imposed upon you."
+
+Hamilton looked, as he was, seriously annoyed. He did not remember the
+expression that had given so much offence, and was quite at a loss to
+understand the mystery:--he looked from one to the other for explanation;
+at one time inclined to walk away as proudly as Trevannion could have
+done; at another, his more moderate feelings triumphing, urged him into
+an inquiry.
+
+"I really cannot understand you," he said, at length; "do explain
+yourself. If I have done any thing to offend you, let me know what
+it is, and, if reasonable, I am willing to apologize."
+
+Trevannion sneered. "Apologies can do little good--eh, Norman?"
+
+"If you know what this is, Norman," said Hamilton, "I must beg you
+to enlighten me."
+
+"I have no business to interfere," said Norman, carelessly.
+
+"What a tragedy scene! What's the matter?" cried Reginald Mortimer,
+who came up at the moment. "You lazy-bones of a Louis! where are you?"
+
+"The matter is simply this," said Frank Digby: "Norman has heard from
+a veracious source that Mr. Hamilton once said, in confidence (between
+you and me, you know), that the reason he retained Mr. Philip Trevannion
+in the rank of first bosom-friend, was because he was too lazy to look
+out for one better suited to his tastes: consequently, as Mr. Trevannion
+can aver that Mr. Hamilton never confided this matter to him, it is
+certain that some one has betrayed confidence reposed in him--oh, yes!
+oh, yes!"
+
+"What a fuss about a nonsensical report!" exclaimed Reginald.
+"Do you believe it?"
+
+"Does he deny it?" said Trevannion, tuning to Hamilton.
+
+Hamilton's color rose; and, after a little pause, in which he carefully
+considered what he had said, he replied, "No, I do not deny having said
+something like this one day when Trevannion and I had fallen out; but
+how much it was more than a momentary fit of anger our long friendship
+ought to decide. Trevannion, we have been friends too long for such a
+silly thing as this to separate us. I am very sorry it should ever have
+escaped my lips; but if every thing we say in a moment of impatience and
+vexation were repeated and minded, there would be very little friendship
+in the world. Come, Trevannion, shake hands, and forget it for auld lang
+syne, as I will do when any one brings such a tale to me."
+
+As Hamilton spoke, his eye rested on Norman, fired with indignation,
+and lighted a second on the principal offender, but no longer, for he
+did not wish to draw Louis into notice.
+
+"It may seem a little nonsensical matter to you, Hamilton," said
+Trevannion, putting his hand behind him; "but these little things
+exhibit more than the greatest professions. I am not too lazy to
+cure myself of old habits, if you are."
+
+"I never make professions," said Hamilton, proudly; "and I have done."
+
+He was turning away, when a sudden motion from Jones arrested him.
+Jones had been standing silently by Trevannion, and now, leaping over
+a desk, seized Louis, and dragged him in the centre of the group, to
+the great astonishment of both himself and his brother, exclaiming:
+
+"Here's the offender, the tell-tale, the hypocrite, the meek good boy,
+so anxious of Ferrers' reputation!"
+
+"What do you want with me?" exclaimed Louis angrily, struggling to free
+himself from his captor.
+
+"Hands off! Leave him alone, Jones," shouted Reginald. "What's all
+this about?"
+
+"Do let him go," said Hamilton. "Can't you let him alone?"
+
+"He's the traitor, Hamilton."
+
+Hamilton could not deny it, for it could have been no one else.
+
+"Well, it is past, and the punishment he has in his own feelings will
+be enough," he said. "Let him alone."
+
+"Louis, _you_ haven't been telling tales and making mischief?"
+cried Reginald.
+
+"I don't know," said Louis. "I said something to Mrs. Paget, I believe--I
+didn't know there was any harm. Hamilton didn't say he didn't want any
+thing said about it."
+
+"_Didn't say!_" echoed Jones, scornfully.
+
+Hamilton's look was more in reproach than anger. Louis felt struck to
+the heart with shame and anger; but so much had he lately been nursed
+in conceit and self-sufficiency, that he drove away the better impulse;
+and, instead of at once acknowledging himself in the wrong and begging
+pardon, he stood still, endeavoring to look unconcerned, repeating,
+"I didn't mean any harm."
+
+"Oh, Louis!" exclaimed Reginald, reproachfully, "I didn't think
+you could."
+
+"Let the boy go, Jones," said Hamilton, trying to remove the grasp
+from Louis' shoulders.
+
+"Not so fast, an't please your majesty," said Jones: "I like to see
+hypocrites unmasked. Here, gentlemen, forsooth, here in this soonified
+youth, the anxious warden of Ferrers' reputation, you see the young
+gentleman who not only tells the story, but gives the name of the
+party concerned to a dear, good, gossiping soul--"
+
+"Gently, gently there, Jones," remarked Norman.
+
+"A gossiping old soul," repeated Jones, "who'd have the greatest
+delight in retailing the news, with decorations and additions, all
+over the kingdom with the greatest possible speed."
+
+"I don't believe a word of that, Jones," said Reginald.
+"It is impossible!"
+
+"What! is it impossible?" asked Jones, giving Louis a shake.
+
+"What business have you to question me?"
+
+"Did you?" repeated Jones, with another shake.
+
+"Fair questioning, Jones," cried Reginald. "No coercion, if you please."
+
+"Hold him back, Mason, if you please. Norman, will you hold him back?
+Now, Louis, if you don't answer I'll give you a thrashing."
+
+"You and I are friends, Mortimer," said Salisbury, jumping off the
+desk and coming close up to Reginald; "but I mean to have fair play
+in this matter. He shan't be hurt--but, if you interfere till they've
+done questioning him, I shall help them to hold you back."
+
+"Don't meddle with it, Salisbury," said Hamilton; "it's nobody's affair."
+
+"Nobody's affair, indeed!" exclaimed Frank. "Here we've been making a
+_cher ami_, a _rara avis_, or something or other of this boy, because he
+professed to be something superior to us all--and now, when we find
+he has been telling tales of all of us, we are told it's _nobody's
+affair_. He's been obtaining credit upon false pretences. We're the
+strongest party, and we'll do what we please."
+
+Reginald restrained himself with a violent effort, and Jones proceeded.
+
+"Now, sir, answer directly--is this impossible?"
+
+Louis felt very much inclined to cry, but he replied without tears
+very reluctantly, "Mrs. Paget would make me tell her some things--she
+had heard almost all from others. I don't know how the name slipped
+out; I didn't mean to tell, I am sure."
+
+"WHAT?" said Hamilton; "you tell _that_ story, Louis!"
+
+Louis felt that Hamilton despised him; and perhaps, had they known
+all the circumstances relative to the Heronhurst disclosure, the clamor
+would not have been so great; so much evil is done by repeating a small
+matter, exaggerated, as these repetitions usually are, according to the
+feelings of the speaker. But in every case now bearing so unexpectedly
+down upon him, had Louis, thoughtless of himself, been less anxious for
+admiration, he would not have committed himself; had he not attracted
+Norman's attention by his folly and conceit, the circumstance of his
+having disclosed the name of the offender, at Heronhurst, would, most
+probably, not only have been unknown to his school-fellows, but to
+Norman also.
+
+"Oh, Hamilton, I didn't tell all the story!" he exclaimed.
+
+"No, only just enough to appear magnanimous," said Frank.
+
+"Seeing that such is the case," continued Jones, "it cannot be a
+matter of great astonishment, that the same meek crocodile should
+also deliver to the same tender mercy various particulars of minor
+import respecting sundry others of his school-fellows; among which,
+we discover the private conversation of an intimate and too indulgent
+friend. Upon my word, young gentleman, I've a great mind to make you
+kiss Ferrers' shoes. Where's Ferrers?"
+
+Jones turned round with his victim towards the door, perceiving that
+Ferrers was not in the room, but neither Hamilton nor Reginald would
+permit matters to proceed further.
+
+"Let him go," said Norman; "it is not worth while taking so much trouble
+about it. You know whom you have to deal with, and will be careful."
+
+"Thanks to you," said Hamilton in a tone of the most cutting irony.
+
+He released Louis, and stood still till he saw him safely in the
+playground, whither he was followed by the hisses and exclamations
+of his inquisitors, and then turned in the opposite direction to
+the class-room.
+
+"Mr. Hamilton!" exclaimed Norman, "may I ask what your words meant
+just now?"
+
+"You may," said Hamilton, turning round and eyeing the speaker from
+head to foot, with the most contemptuous indifference. "You are at
+liberty to put whatever construction you please upon them; and perhaps
+it will save trouble if I inform you at once that I never fight."
+
+"Then, sir," said Norman, whose anger was rising beyond control,
+"you should weigh your words a little more cautiously, if you are
+so cowardly."
+
+Hamilton deigned no reply, and proceeded to the class-room, where
+he shut himself up, leaving the field clear for Reginald, who,
+before long, was engaged in a pitched battle with Norman.
+
+Louis retreated to his play-fellows who were yet unconscious of
+his disgrace with the higher powers; and, after playing for a little
+while, wandered about by himself, too uneasy and sick at heart to
+amuse himself. He found now, alas! that he was alone; that he had
+lost all pleasure in holy things; and, conscious of his falling away,
+he was now afraid to pray,--foolish boy. And thus it is--Satan tempts
+us to do wrong, and then tempts us to doubt God's willingness to
+forgive us, in order that, being without grace and strength, we may
+fall yet deeper.
+
+As Louis wandered along, he heard sounds familiar enough to him,
+which portended a deadly fray, and when he came upon the combatants,
+he discovered that one of them was his own brother. He knew it was
+useless to attempt to stop the fight, and he wandered away again,
+and cried a little, for he thought that something would happen, and
+he and Reginald would be placed together in some unpleasant situation;
+and he dreaded Dr. Wilkinson's hearing of either affair.
+
+I must be excused for stopping my story to remark here, that in this
+world, it is certain that we have great influence on one another, and
+that for this influence we are responsible. Had Louis' school-fellows
+acted more kindly, endeavoring to set before him the fault of tattling,
+the effect would have been to raise a feeling of gratitude in his mind,
+which would have been far more effectual in preventing the recurrence
+of the fault, than the plan of repudiation they had adopted. Had they,
+even after a day or two's penance, given him an opening into their
+good graces, he would not have felt, as he did, that he had lost his
+character, and it was "no use caring about it," and so gone from bad
+to worse, till his name was associated with those of the worst boys
+in the school. It may be said, How can school-boys be expected to have
+so much consideration? but this a school-boy may do. He may mentally
+put himself in the position of the delinquent, and considering how he
+would wish to be treated, act accordingly.
+
+Every thing seemed to go wrong with Louis that day. The Herodotus
+that Hamilton was to have heard, was scarcely looked at; and Louis
+lost two or three places in his class. Hamilton never noticed him,
+and even Reginald was offended with him. Louis tried to brave it out,
+and sung in a low tone, whistled, and finally, when he was roughly
+desired to be quiet, walked into the school-room, and finished his
+evening with Casson and Churchill.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+  "Be not deceived; evil communications corrupt good
+   manners."--1 Cor. xv. 32.
+
+
+For the next few days Louis was regularly sent to Coventry, and
+though Hamilton took no part in any thing that was said against him,
+his manner had so entirely changed, and his tone was so cold when he
+addressed or answered him, that Louis needed no further demonstration
+to feel assured of the great difference in the feeling with which he
+was regarded. Clifton alone remained unchanged, but he was so much
+absorbed in his dear classics that he had hardly time to notice that
+any thing was the matter: and as Reginald, thoroughly disappointed,
+was also highly displeased with his brother, Louis was either thrown
+entirely upon his own resources, or driven to seek the society of the
+lower school; and, as he was in a very unhappy state, and could not
+bear to be left alone, he naturally chose the latter. For the first
+two days he struggled to assume an independent air, and, changing his
+place of his own accord from Hamilton to Clifton, talked incessantly,
+though nearly unheeded by the latter, to show how perfectly well able
+he was to do his own business without assistance. Hamilton missed him,
+and glanced down the table with a gaze of mingled disappointment and
+displeasure. A few words from him might have recalled Louis, but they
+were not spoken, and the only impression conveyed to the poor truant
+was, that the friend he most cared about, in common with the rest,
+considered him beneath his notice.
+
+The third evening some affair was to be taken into consideration, of
+which the proceedings were intended to be kept very secret. Louis was
+sitting by Clifton, when Trevannion, who was to open the business,
+entered with a folded paper and a pencil in one hand, and took his
+place at the head of the long table. He looked down the table, and
+his eyes meeting Louis', he laid down his pencil, and taking up a
+book, began, or pretended to begin, to read.
+
+"Hey! What's that, Trevannion?" asked Salisbury. "Are we to be prepared
+with a choice quotation from Thucydides, or is it a hint that we are to
+remember duty first and pleasure afterwards?"
+
+"Rather," said Frank, "that some people have long ears and tongues."
+
+"Perhaps," said Trevannion, looking over the top of his book,
+"Louis Mortimer will have the civility to hasten his studies
+this evening, as we have pressing business to perform."
+
+"And why need I prevent it?" said Louis, crimsoning.
+
+"Simply for this reason," said Trevannion, "that we do not choose
+to have every thing that passes our lips this night carried over the
+country; therefore, Master Louis, we can dispense with your company."
+
+"Without so much circumlocution, either," said Jones. "We like your
+room better than your company just now, Louis Mortimer; so please
+to decamp."
+
+"Evaporate!" said Meredith.
+
+"I have my lessons to learn," said Louis.
+
+"Is there any moral or physical impossibility in your lessons being
+learned in the school-room?" asked Smith.
+
+"I don't choose."
+
+"Don't choose!" repeated Jones. "We'll see about that. Do you choose
+to go quietly, or to be turned out, eh?"
+
+"You have no right to do it," exclaimed Louis. "I have as much right
+to be here as you."
+
+"Ho, ho!" exclaimed Jones. "You'll find might is right here, my pretty
+young gentleman. Salisbury, will you have the kindness to put the door
+between us and his impertinence?"
+
+"The procacity of the juvenile is progressing," remarked Frank.
+
+Hamilton was not in the room, and there was no one to assist
+Reginald in his resistance to the numbers by whom he was soon
+overpowered, and in a few minutes, in spite of his exertions,
+he found himself turned out with Louis, whom he had vainly
+endeavored to defend.
+
+Boiling with fury, Reginald at first attempted to kick open the door,
+and then, being called to his senses by the interference of the usher
+in the room, walked into the playground, and getting in at one of the
+class-room windows, opened the door to Louis before his antagonists
+had recovered from their surprise.
+
+There was another scuffle, which was at length settled by the usher's
+taking Louis' side, and desiring him to go in; but Louis found the study
+so thoroughly uncomfortable, that in a few minutes he returned to the
+school-room, and seated himself, in a restless, idle mood, by Casson.
+
+The idle conversation of an idle, uprincipled boy is sure to be of a
+hurtful description, and after Casson had heard Louis' grievances, and
+condoled with him in the fashion of encouraging him in all that was bad,
+the discourse fell upon Casson's last school, and many things Louis heard
+and learned of which he had remained, till then, in blissful ignorance.
+One or two ushers usually sat with the boys in the evening. One of these
+was an elderly man, uncouth and ungainly in person, and possessed of a
+very unfortunate temper, that was irritated in every possible manner by
+those whose duty it was to have soothed the infirmities and considered
+the trials of one whose life was spent in their service. Louis had felt
+a great pity for the poor solitary man who never seemed to have a friend,
+and now and then had spared a few minutes of his play-time to talk to
+him, and would ask to be allowed to cut the pencil that was employed so
+constantly in ruling the ciphering books; and when his flowers were in
+bloom, a half-open rosebud was usually presented to Mr. Garthorpe to
+put in his button-hole on Sunday morning. The poor usher loved Louis
+as warmly as any one else in that house, nor would he have believed
+that "that good lad," as he called him, could have spent a great part
+of an evening in laughing at practical jokes played off on him, though
+Louis could not yet be prevailed upon to take part in them.
+
+The next few days were spent as might be expected. Louis had now put
+himself under the guidance of some of the worst boys in the school,
+and the consequence was (for the downward path is easy) the neglect of
+all that was good, and the connivance at, if not actual participation
+in all that was wrong. His place was lost, his lessons so ill prepared,
+that, as formerly, he was kept in day after day, and Casson, his chief
+adviser, persuaded him that Mr. Danby was unjust and tyrannical, and
+instigated him to impertinence as a retaliation. Louis was miserable,
+for miserable must he be who sins against light.
+
+It was not long before Dr. Wilkinson became aware of a change in Louis'
+conduct, and he took an early opportunity of speaking very seriously to
+him on the subject. Louis was very humble, and longed to throw open all
+his troubles to his master, the only person who had spoken kindly and
+sensibly to him since his disgrace, yet foolishly afraid to declare the
+whole truth to him, especially as, by the doctor's recommendation to him
+to follow the example of his friends Hamilton and Clifton, he found that
+his master was not aware that Hamilton was so much displeased with him.
+Unhappily, Dr. Wilkinson did not know of Louis' intimacy with Casson,
+nor had Casson been long enough with him to enable him to know more of
+him than as an idle, troublesome dunce. The doctor's admonitions were
+so far beneficial to Louis, that besides producing decidedly better
+behavior for a few days, they were instrumental in restraining him
+afterwards from the commission of many things which might have been
+both hurtful to his well-doing and future peace of mind; but unassisted
+by prayerful efforts on Louis' part, they could go no further than this;
+and as he had not strength of mind to shake off his evil companions, he
+soon fell back into much of his idle, giddy habits, and was classed with
+some of the worst boys by those of the upper school who had formerly so
+unwisely flattered and spoiled him. Oh, had they known how often his sad,
+restless, though at times reckless mind, yearned for a little kindness
+from them, that he might feel that every chance of retrieving their
+esteem had not gone! Once, after standing some time by Hamilton, he
+ventured to ask if he were still offended with him. Hamilton coldly
+disclaimed any idea of offence, and declining all discussion on the
+matter, hinted that Louis' conduct was too disreputable to be noticed.
+Louis turned from him with a proud resolve never to speak to Hamilton
+again. Hamilton's conscience smote him when he saw him a short time
+after in company with Casson and Harris, whispering and laughing in a
+corner, at no good, assuredly; but though he inwardly felt that he had
+forced Louis, in some measure, to take refuge with these boys, he was
+too proud to stoop from his throne of dignity to save him.
+
+That day, when the boys returned from their walk, they entered at the
+back of the playground from a lane, on the opposite side of which lay
+some fields belonging to Dr. Wilkinson, and close on the edge of the
+field nearest to the ditch bounding the lane, were some out-houses,
+consisting of a cow-house, stables, and barn. As the lane was public
+property, the boys were forbidden to wander beyond the boundary of
+their playground, which on this side was a high wall, a wooden door
+shutting out all communication with any thing beyond. Notwithstanding
+the prohibition regarding this lane, there were now and then excursions
+over the wall in the direction of the cottage of an old woman, who kept
+a small day-school, and sold bull's-eyes and gingerbread, with other
+dainties of a doubtful description, and who was, more than all, willing,
+for "a consideration," to perform any hazardous errand for the young
+gentlemen. Other sallies of a still more doubtful character occasionally
+took place, and Dr. Wilkinson felt sure that his orchard had been robbed
+more than once, though by what hands he did not always discover. On this
+day the boys had just entered from the lane, and, as the ushers had not
+been careful in seeing the door closed, it stood open for some time,
+while several of the boys availed themselves of the crowd of their
+school-fellows near it to slip out on their various errands to old
+Mary Simmons. Louis had been collecting mineralogical specimens during
+his walk, all of which he had consigned to the depths of a large green
+baize bag which he carried with him. He stopped a few minutes near
+the gate to talk about his treasures to Clifton, who had been walking
+with him, but the concourse becoming rather greater than Clifton found
+convenient, he presently moved away, and Louis was following him, his
+bag in one hand and two unpromising-looking stones in the other, when
+Casson arrested him with,
+
+"I say, Louis, what a famous bag--lend it us a minute. I'm going to
+old mother Simmons's; it would hold half her shop."
+
+"There are stones in it," said Louis, drawing back.
+
+Casson verbally execrated the stones, and, declaring it was of no
+consequence, snatched the bag out of Louis' hand and ran away.
+
+Rather startled by this abrupt manner of proceeding, Louis followed
+Casson to the verge of the lane, and waited there till he came back.
+
+"I haven't eaten your bag, you see, but I can't spare it till we get in."
+
+"But are the stones there?" said Louis.
+
+"To be sure; what do you suppose I've done with them? What a famous
+receptacle! I say, Louis, did you ever see the inside of the stable
+over the way?"
+
+"No--I am not very fond of stables."
+
+"But I suspect there's something worth seeing there," said Casson;
+and he proceeded to tell Louis, under a promise of the strictest
+secrecy, in a manner so exceedingly vulgar and improper that I do
+not choose to write it, that he believed that the doctor kept his
+winter apples in the loft of that stable, and concluded by hinting
+that some of them meant to find them out and help themselves. "We
+used to do it regularly at old Stennett's, where I went before,
+Louis," he continued. "It's such fun: you must lend us your green
+bag, and come with us."
+
+"Oh! Casson, how can you think such a thing of me!" exclaimed Louis,
+shrinking back.
+
+The exclamation was so loud that Casson laid his hand upon his mouth
+with a muttered angry ejaculation.
+
+"One would think I had spoken of breaking open a house," said Casson.
+
+"It's stealing," said Louis, in a tone of anger.
+
+"Nonsense."
+
+"I tell you, Casson, it is--don't talk to me any more about it--I
+wish I had never known you!"
+
+Casson burst out laughing. "What a ninny you are!" he exclaimed.
+"You are as easily frightened as a bird with a pop-gun. And now,
+I suppose, you will go with this nice little story to some good
+friend and make something interesting and romantic out of nothing."
+
+"Is it _really_ nonsense?" said Louis, after a pause. "Tell me,
+Casson, truly, did you mean nothing just now?"
+
+"Nothing, upon honor," said the unprincipled boy. "I wanted to see
+you horrified."
+
+Louis looked doubtfully at him. "Well, please give me my bag."
+
+"What a hurry you are in!--you must wait till I've unloaded."
+
+Louis followed him to the school-room, but, Casson's crowded desk not
+holding all the contents of the bag, he was obliged, notwithstanding his
+anxiety, to wait for his property for a day or two, at the expiration of
+which time it was returned to him, and borrowed the next day for another
+expedition to Mary Simmons.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+  "Open rebuke is better than secret love."
+
+
+It now wanted little more than three weeks to the holidays.
+Sticks for notching were in great request, and "days" cut in
+paper were fastened to the testers of the several beds, to mark
+more securely the weary time that must elapse before the joyful
+breaking-up. Reginald and Louis had jointly decorated theirs
+with an elegant drawing of Dashwood Priory, with a coach and
+four in the distance, which drawing would remain uninjured till
+even the last of the twenty-eight strips of paper had been detached,
+when the owners tore the remainder for excess of joy. The subjects
+for examination had already been given out, and those who had any
+interest at stake had already commissioned Maister Dunn for candles,
+and begun to rise early and sit late, or as late us was allowed, at
+their various studies. It was with some little dismay that Louis
+looked down the long list of subjects for the examination of his
+class, for he felt that, though (thanks to Hamilton at first,
+and latterly some degree of perseverance on his own part) he had
+made some progress during the half-year: his friend Clifton's
+indefatigable industry had placed him so far first, that it
+would be almost impossible to hope for any advantage.
+
+Hamilton was now busily engaged in the composition of a prize poem
+in Latin, besides the many other things with which (to use his own
+expression) he found it necessary "to cram himself"; for, however
+easy, comparatively, he had found his post the preceding half-year,
+he had now competitors sufficiently emulous and talented in Norman
+and Frank Digby--the latter of whom had shown a moderate degree of
+diligence during the half-year, and now, exerting to the utmost the
+great powers with which he was gifted, bid fair, if not to distance
+all his rivals, at least to claim the lion's share of the honors
+held out.
+
+As Hamilton scarcely allowed himself time to run once round the
+playground in the day, it cannot be supposed that even had he
+condescended to notice Louis he would have found much time to
+attend to him. More than once, however, he looked rather anxiously
+down the long table where Louis now sat (Reginald having insisted
+on his leaving the school-room and his companions to their fate),
+and, apparently satisfied that he was doing something, resumed his
+own work. Louis' mind was more than ever occupied now--every moment
+was taken up with lessons of one kind or another. The first waking
+thoughts, which were formerly, at least, a consciousness of the
+presence of his Maker, were now so mixed up with Latin verses,
+English translations, French plays, ancient and modern history,
+that a very short time sufficed for his cold prayer--and then
+poured in the whole flood of daily business, only checked by as
+cold a semblance of a petition at night. The former half-year the
+case, though similar in many respects, differed in the greatest
+essential. Louis was not less diligent than now, but he was more
+prayerful; he had not more time, but he used it better; he did not
+leave his religion for a few minutes at night and morning, and forget
+it for the rest of the day; he did not shut up his Bible, and scarcely
+look at it from Sunday to Sunday. He who waits closely upon his God
+is sure to be enabled to serve him in the beauty of holiness: and
+those who thought at all about Louis could not but be struck with
+the wide difference between the gentle, humble, happy-looking boy,
+who bore so meekly what was unkindly done and spoken, and the equally
+industrious, but fevered, restless, anxious, and now rather irritable
+being, who toiled on day after day almost beyond his strength.
+
+The first day of the examination, Charles Clifton and Louis were
+walking together, between school-hours, settling the order in which
+their labors were to be undertaken. As they turned the corner of
+the playground, near the kitchen, they encountered Harris, Casson,
+and Churchill, who, with Sally Simmons and her basket of apples,
+blocked up a narrow passage between the side of the house and the
+kitchen-garden wall.
+
+"Aint they beauties, Louis?" said Churchill, at the sight. The mention
+of apples sufficiently disturbed Louis in the present company, and he
+made a violent effort to get past Harris, who was, however, so much
+engaged in choosing an apple from the basket, that he did not move
+an inch. Finding it useless at present to attempt the pass, Louis was
+turning back, when Sally offered the basket to him, with "Mathter Louis,
+you mutht hide it; I donnoh what mathter would thay."
+
+"There are plenty more where they came from, Sally," said Casson.
+
+"Here'th a nithe one, thir," said Sally, looking in Louis' alarmed
+face, and pointing to one of the apples.
+
+"They are not yours to give, Sally," said Louis, stepping back against
+the wall. "Harris, Casson, Churchill, don't take them--it's dishonest."
+
+Sally protested in great dismay, that it was only one or two, and
+Dr. Wilkinson wouldn't mind.
+
+"You know he would, Sally, or why did you say I was to hide it?"
+said Louis.
+
+"Do you mean to tell him you have given away any?" asked Clifton.
+
+"Not she; she knows better--don't you, Sally?" said Casson.
+
+"You are not to be trusted," said Clifton.
+
+"Mathter Louis, you won't be going and making mithchief?" said the girl.
+
+"If he does," ejaculated Harris, "I'll--"
+
+What he would do Louis never heard, for he had by this time freed himself
+from the basket and run away, followed more leisurely by Clifton.
+
+"I am sure," he said, when Clifton rejoined him, "that Sally Simmons
+ought not to be employed here; she is always doing forbidden things
+for the boys."
+
+"If you know of any thing wrong in her, why don't you tell Dr. Wilkinson?"
+said Charles.
+
+"The next thing I know of, I shall. But I should get the boys into such
+a scrape," said Louis.
+
+"If they are bad boys they deserve it," replied Clifton; "my father
+says, if we conceal evil, when we may remove it by mentioning it, we
+make ourselves partners in it."
+
+"The boys would call me a sneak if I did," said Louis.
+
+Charles looked at Louis in simple wonderment. "That wouldn't hinder
+you from doing what is right, would it? What does it matter what such
+fellows as those think or say?"
+
+"Yes, but I shouldn't like to get them into a scrape," repeated Louis,
+uneasily.
+
+"Why don't you tell your friend Hamilton of it, and ask his advice?"
+
+"Oh, Clifton! surely you know that Hamilton won't speak to me."
+
+"No, I didn't," said Clifton, in a tone of surprise. "Why not? he used
+to be so fond of you."
+
+"He's offended now," replied Louis, looking down.
+
+"He doesn't like me, I know," said Charles; "but he used to be so very
+fond of you."
+
+"_Used_--that's long ago," said Louis, with a suppressed sigh.
+
+"Well, but," remarked Clifton, without showing the least curiosity
+to discover the cause of Louis' quarrel with Hamilton, "if you can't
+consult him, ask your brother."
+
+"I know very well what Reginald would do; he wouldn't think it right
+to tell of them, or of her either."
+
+"Then, Louis, make up your own mind."
+
+"It's not so easily done," replied Louis; "oh, Charlie, I wish I were
+like you!"
+
+"Oh, why?" said Charles, gravely; "you have a great many more friends,
+and are much better liked than I am. I have no friend but you--not that
+I care at all about it, but I should think you would."
+
+"Yes; but I wish I _could_ make up my mind. I am not half so happy
+as you are, for I cannot make up my mind to do a thing because it is
+right. You only think about that and do it at once; and because I have
+so many friends, and even care about pleasing those I do not like, I am
+always getting into scrapes, and always doing wrong. I think there never
+was anybody so bad as I am. I wish papa hadn't sent me to school."
+
+"I like you very much," said Clifton; "and I am sure you have done me
+good--on Sunday, at least."
+
+"Ah, it is much easier to know and talk of what is right than to do it,"
+replied Louis, sighing very deeply. "Oh, _domum, dulce domum!_ But there
+is Reginald, and I must go and ask him a question."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For several days after this occurrence, Louis was too busy, and too much
+with his brother, to see much of his evil advisers; and very pleased in
+having, as he imagined, thus got rid of them. The examination was going
+on in earnest; Louis had now nearly regained his old place, and was, on
+the whole, favorably reported of: but Clifton was not to be overcome.
+Thoroughly prepared, and thoroughly understanding all he had learned,
+he kept the first place undaunted by any difficulty, and apparently
+unexcited by the crisis; at least, Louis remarked to Reginald, that
+Clifton was so cool, he didn't seem to care whether he won or not.
+He had a little more color than usual, and the only beauty his face
+possessed--his intelligent eyes--wore perhaps a keener and more anxious
+expression, but this was not noticed by a casual observer; nor was
+the violent palpitation of the heart, when the chances ran so closely
+between him and the next, at the close of a two days' struggle for the
+mathematical prize. There were few that congratulated him on his almost
+unparalleled success; but few that did not respect his ability and
+steadiness. Never once, from the first day he came to school, had he
+on any occasion incurred the displeasure of his masters; and yet no
+one cared for him, for he had lived only for himself.
+
+But to return to Louis. The mathematical contest was finished, and there
+was a little lull before the second class would be again called on, and
+Louis determined to spend this little interval of leisure in giving a
+finishing scrutiny of the history likely to be in demand. Full of his
+purposes, he burst into the class-room, where only Hamilton and Reginald
+were, the former writing very fast, and the latter looking carefully
+over an English essay he had just finished. Louis flew to the shelves
+and ransacked them in vain: almost every book he wanted was gone.
+At length, in despair, he asked Reginald if he knew who had Rollin's
+History. Reginald absently replied in the negative, as he noted down
+something in the page he was reading.
+
+"The books are always gone," said Louis, pettishly. "I suppose Charlie
+has it. He had it yesterday--he might as well let me have it to-day."
+
+"Trevannion has it, I think," said Reginald.
+
+"You may have mine," said Hamilton.
+
+Louis stood still; he wanted the book very much, but was too proud
+to accept the offer.
+
+"It is in my room," continued Hamilton, without looking up.
+
+"Thank you, I don't want _yours_," replied Louis, proudly, walking
+out of the room.
+
+As he entered the school-room he confronted Dr. Wilkinson, who, having
+given orders for a brisk walk, was inquiring for Hamilton. Louis had
+scarcely taken his hand from the lock when Hamilton abruptly opened it
+and came quickly out of the room.
+
+"You are the person I want," said the doctor, laying his hand on his
+arm. "Hamilton, I want you to come out with me this bright day."
+
+"To-day, sir?" said Hamilton, whose countenance expressed any thing
+but delight at the proposition.
+
+"And why put off till to-morrow what may be done to-day so well?"
+said the doctor, smiling. "I suppose you have hopes of the weather
+making a walk impracticable to-morrow: but I must have you all out,
+or some of you will be laid up before you go home."
+
+His eye fell upon Clifton, who was sitting with his elbows on a desk
+close by, his fingers pushed through his hair, wholly absorbed in
+"_Gibbon's Decline and Fall_." Dr. Wilkinson addressed him twice,
+but, producing no impression, he removed one of the props of his
+head, and turned his face towards himself.
+
+"What are you doing there?"
+
+"History, sir," said the boy, getting up mechanically, and looking
+very much as if he were not pleased at the interruption.
+
+"I hear your name is very high in the list to-day."
+
+"Yes, sir," replied Charles, gravely; and, as the doctor released him,
+he settled down precisely in the same attitude, without showing the
+least satisfaction at the notice he had received.
+
+Hamilton turned away with an impatient gesture.
+
+"Are you going immediately, sir?" he said. "Can you spare me a
+few minutes?"
+
+"I shall be at the garden-gate in a quarter of an hour from this time,"
+replied the doctor.
+
+"I will not fail, sir," said Hamilton; and, crossing the room in
+immense strides, he flew up stairs, and returned almost immediately
+with a large volume under his arm. He made some inquiries of
+Trevannion's whereabouts, and, learning that he was in the playground,
+went in search of him. He very soon found him, walking briskly
+up and down with Norman, making extracts from an old book in his
+hand, and questioning his friend alternately. Hamilton and he had
+scarcely exchanged a word since their quarrel, and it was with some
+surprise that he saw Hamilton present himself, and still more, when
+a request was made that he would exchange books.
+
+"I particularly want this just now," he replied.
+
+"This is Rollin," said Hamilton. "I should feel obliged if you would
+exchange copies."
+
+Trevannion opened his eyes wider, but after a second's pause, he took
+Hamilton's and gave him his book in exchange, without any comment.
+
+"What a strange whim!" remarked Norman, when Hamilton had left them,
+after shortly expressing his thanks.
+
+"What can he mean, Norman?" said Trevannion. "This is his own, too."
+
+"Perhaps some new way of trying to make up an old quarrel,"
+said Norman, sneeringly.
+
+"I don't think so," replied Trevannion; "he would not have tried
+so odd a plan--no, there's something deeper than that."
+
+"Are the histories alike?" asked Norman.
+
+"I believe so," answered Trevannion; "if there's any advantage, I am
+sure to have it, at any rate."
+
+"You have a very high opinion of him."
+
+"VERY," said Trevannion. "If Hamilton did mean this to make up our
+quarrel, I am sure I shall be willing."
+
+"Upon my word," said Norman, "this is dignity."
+
+Trevannion made no answer, for something had attracted his attention
+on the opposite side of the playground.
+
+"Holloa! Norman, look there!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Where? what! oh, horror!" cried Norman.
+
+"There they are--they're hid; now, there they are again!--now look,
+who is it? Stand behind this tree a minute--now let us look out."
+
+Obedient to his instructions, Norman looked, and saw three boys drop
+down one after another from the branch of a tree, that had evidently
+assisted their descent from the playground wall, and then run across
+the playground.
+
+"Who are they?" said Trevannion, putting up his eye-glass (which,
+gentle reader, be it known he carried for use). "One is Churchill,
+I'm sure! Who's that long fellow? Why, it's Harris, isn't it? It
+can't be, surely!"
+
+"It is," said Norman; "and the other's Casson."
+
+"I'm sure they are at no good," said Trevannion; "I shall make
+a note of this remarkable occurrence."
+
+So saying, he made a memorandum of the circumstance in his
+pocket-book, and had just finished when the boys poured out
+cloaked and great-coated, and informed him of the doctor's
+desires.
+
+The reader will be at no loss to discover Hamilton's reason for
+exchanging the books. As Louis was out, he took Dr. Wilkinson's
+with him into the class-room, and sat down to finish the six last
+words of his poem; and then, folding it neatly up, enveloped it in
+half a sheet of writing-paper. He was just pressing the seal upon
+the wax, when his watch, which he had laid open before him, warned
+him that the last minutes of the quarter of an hour had arrived.
+He just pushed his things together, and left them on the table;
+and snatching up his hat as he ran through the hall, scarcely
+arrived at the garden-gate in time to save his character for
+punctuality.
+
+It so happened that Casson was Louis' companion during the walk,
+and entertained him with a flowing account of all the vulgar tricks
+he had been in the habit of playing at his former school. Louis could
+not help laughing at them; nor would his vanity allow him to refrain
+from boasting of--what he had before been properly ashamed--his own
+share in some of Casson's late exploits. So afraid was he of seeming
+inferior, even to a person he despised, and in those things which his
+better feelings taught him equally to despise. Casson inwardly laughed
+at Louis' boasted feats, as he had always done to others when Louis was
+out of hearing; but he now quizzed him, stimulating him, by applauding
+his spirit and ingenuity; and by the time they had reached the house,
+Louis was in a thoroughly giddy humor, ready to try, at the risk of
+disgrace, the new schemes to which he had just been listening.
+
+The boys stayed in the playground till the dinner-bell rang, which
+was a few minutes after they had entered the playground; but these
+few minutes sufficed for Louis, in his present humor, to get himself
+in a scrape, the consequences of which, at the time, he certainly did
+not contemplate. He had been complaining to Casson, in the beginning
+of their walk, that he could not get "Rollin's History," and, as Casson
+persisted that it was in the study, Louis took him there to show him
+his error, when they returned home.
+
+"Ha, ha! Mr. Louis Mortimer, who's right?" cried Casson,
+holding up the book.
+
+"That can't be; I wonder how it got there," said Louis,
+approaching the table in a mystified manner. "These must
+be Trevannion's things, I suppose; only Hamilton was writing
+here; and here is his dictionary,--I wonder what he wanted
+with it--he never said he had it--he let me suppose Trevannion
+had it--kind of him--I suppose he wanted to prevent my getting
+it; but I'll have it now--he's got one of his own."
+
+"I'd be even with him," said Casson; "what a heap of things! See,
+here's an exercise of his; or a letter, I suppose--it's too neat
+for an exercise. A good thick letter--sealed, too. I'll tell you
+what, Louis--"
+
+Accordingly, what Casson did tell Louis was, what a "capital dodge"
+it would be to abstract Hamilton's sealed packet, and to leave another
+folded like it in its place.
+
+"We often used to trick the boys at old Stennett's with their
+exercises," continued he; "they never wrote in books there--we
+used to tear the leaves out of the exercise-books, and write on
+them. It was such jolly fun to see them open the paper and find
+nothing in it, or only some rubbish."
+
+"How did you do it?" asked Louis.
+
+"Oh, we doubled up a bit of an old exercise-book, and exchanged, that's
+all!" replied Casson; "see, why here's half a sheet of paper, that'll
+do for the cover; and now then, Louis, more paper--he'll never miss
+it--that's it--fold it up just the size; how beautifully you have
+done it!"
+
+"But there's no seal," said Louis.
+
+"He'll forget he sealed it," replied Casson; "oh, how jolly!--here's
+a piece of sealing-wax--it is sealed with the top of a pencil-case."
+
+"I have one just like that," said Louis; "oh, no; here's E. H. on
+this--that won't do, Casson."
+
+Casson presently relieved this difficulty by discovering Hamilton's
+pencil-case; and the paper was quickly sealed, when Louis began to
+doubt:
+
+"But we don't know what it is, Casson."
+
+"If it turns out to be any thing, send it by post, directed to him,
+at his father's," said Casson; "he'll get it safely enough."
+
+The dinner-bell rang loudly at this moment, and with a little laugh
+at the idea of the oddity of sending it to Hamilton's home, and a
+strong feeling of doubt as to the wisdom of his proceeding, Louis
+hastily exchanged the packets, and ran out of the room. On his way
+to the dining-room he paused--
+
+"If it should be of any consequence, Casson," he said.
+
+"Well, if it is, so much the better fun; he won't treat you so shabbily
+another time."
+
+"Ah, but--I don't want to revenge myself, and I don't like playing
+tricks on Hamilton exactly, either: I think I must give it back."
+
+"I thought you were such a dab at these kinds of things," said Casson,
+sneeringly.
+
+"What have I done with it now?" Louis exclaimed suddenly, as they
+reached the dining-room door, after stopping a few seconds in the
+hall to hang up his coat. "What can I have done with it? I must have
+slipped it into my desk just now, when I put my Livy in."
+
+He was not able to turn back then; and, in the mean time, Hamilton
+had paid a hasty visit to the class-room, to collect his things,
+and had locked up carefully the false packet; and Louis had not
+courage to make any inquiries, though he hoped that he might have
+found the right one, which, with all his care, he could not discover
+himself. Louis had, in his hurry, left Rollin on the study-table, and
+after school he ran into the room, and finding it in nearly the same
+place where Hamilton had been guarding it for him, he carried it off,
+and Hamilton, seeing the action, made no remark on the matter.
+
+The next evening, the Latin poems were sent in to the doctor's study
+for comparison, and Hamilton's blank counterfeit was titled on the
+cover, and dispatched with a degree of nervous anxiety that certainly
+would not have been called forth by a subject so empty. Louis was
+in an agony of remorse, when the truth burst on him. His only hope
+was, that Hamilton might have found the right packet. He heard the
+speculations around him as to the probability of success, and saw
+the last paper put into Norman's hand to be carried away, but he
+dared not say any thing. He had never dreamt of the importance of
+the paper he had so carelessly dropped or mislaid, and would have
+given all he possessed to have remembered what he had done with it.
+
+Nothing more was done that evening. Study had helped to drive away
+the smaller qualms of conscience the day before; but he was now so
+sick at heart, that he remained with his head on his hand doing
+nothing, puzzling himself in vain to remember what he had done
+with the poem.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+It was Saturday night when the manuscripts were delivered to the
+doctor, and it was not till Monday that the absence of Hamilton's
+poem was discovered. As much of Sunday as he was able, Louis spent
+with Casson, trying to discover what could have become of the poem,
+and in devising all manner of schemes for its recovery and restoration.
+Little comfort he received from his tempter--Casson alternately laughed
+at his fears, and blamed his cowardice--and, in order to escape this,
+Louis affected to be indifferent to the consequences, concealing his
+heaviness of heart under assumed mirth and unconcern. He had lately
+spent many cold, careless Sabbaths, but one so utterly wretched as
+this he could not remember.
+
+The boys had just left the dining-room on Monday, after dinner, when
+a summons to the doctor's study came for Hamilton. As this was not an
+uncommon occurrence, Hamilton betrayed neither curiosity nor uneasiness,
+but quietly gave a few directions to his little brother, and then
+leisurely left the room. He was soon in the presence of Dr. Wilkinson,
+Mr. James Wilkinson, and an old gentleman who had a day or two before
+been examining his class, and who usually assisted in the half-yearly
+examinations. The countenances of these gentlemen were not very
+promising, and he instantly saw that something unpleasant might
+be expected. Before the doctor lay a number of folded papers, which
+Hamilton recognized as the poems under consideration, and in his
+hand was a blank sheet of paper, the envelope of which had fallen
+on the floor.
+
+"Mr. Hamilton," said the doctor, "I have sent for you to explain
+this strange affair. Pray can you tell me what was in this envelope?"
+He stooped, and, picking up the paper as he spoke, handed it to Hamilton.
+
+"My poem, sir," replied Hamilton, quietly.
+
+"You are sure that is your writing?"
+
+"Quite," said Hamilton, confidently.
+
+"I have been able to discover nothing more than this," said the doctor,
+with something like annoyance in his tone. "I do not know whether you
+have been writing with invisible ink. This is a mistake, Hamilton,"
+he added, turning the blank sheet in all directions. "Where is your
+poem?"
+
+"That in _my_ envelope, sir!" exclaimed Hamilton, reddening to the roots
+of his hair. "In _my_ envelope!" he reiterated, taking up the envelope
+and re-examining it in a state of tremulous excitement. "I _cannot_ have
+made such a mistake--it is utterly impossible."
+
+"I should say so--impossible, unconsciously, to make so great a mistake,"
+said the old gentleman.
+
+"And equally so, sir, to make it _consciously_," replied Hamilton.
+
+"But where is the poem?" asked Dr. Wilkinson.
+
+"I expected it was here," said Hamilton--"and, as it is not, I cannot
+answer that question, sir." He again turned over the paper, but could
+find no clue to the mystery.
+
+"Is the paper the same as you used?" asked Mr. James.
+
+"It is," replied Hamilton; "and the seal is my own, as well as
+the writing."
+
+"What is the seal?" asked Dr. Berry, the old gentleman.
+
+"E.H. It belongs to this pencil-case," answered Hamilton, producing
+his pencil-case. "I always carry it about with me."
+
+"That's awkward again," said Dr. Berry, exchanging a look with Mr. James.
+
+"Have you never left your pencil-case about lately, nor lent it to any
+one?" asked Dr. Wilkinson.
+
+Hamilton considered.
+
+"I believe I left it with all my things on the class-room table
+last Friday, when I went out with you, sir."
+
+"Ah!" said Dr. Berry, "what did you leave there?"
+
+"Some writing-paper, pens, a few books, and my poem, which I had
+just finished."
+
+"That was careless of you, Hamilton," said Dr. Wilkinson.
+
+"I had only just sealed it in time to run after you, sir," replied
+Hamilton; "and, as every one was out, I thought there could be no
+harm in leaving them there till I returned."
+
+"How much paper did you leave there?" asked Mr. James.
+
+"About half a quire."
+
+"_About_ half a quire; then, I suppose, you do not know whether
+any of that paper was taken while you were away?"
+
+"No, I do not," replied Hamilton. "If any one changed it, it must
+have been then; as, after I came home, it was locked up in my own
+writing-desk till Saturday evening."
+
+"It might have been changed on the way," suggested Mr. James.
+
+Hamilton was silent for a few seconds, when he answered:
+
+"I do not think so; for I am sure this is my writing: I must
+unwittingly have directed an empty packet."
+
+"Unless," said Dr. Wilkinson, quietly, "some one has imitated
+your writing?"
+
+"I only know one who could," replied Hamilton, coloring; "and, I
+am confident, he was not the party: besides, sir, I do not think
+there was time, between Norman's departure and his return, to have
+done it, and that was the only time any one would have had after
+I had directed it. I did not direct it till Saturday evening."
+
+"But you said the boys were all out at the same time with yourself;
+and, in fact, I know they were: I saw them going in as we turned
+into the playground," said Dr. Wilkinson. "Did no one stay at home?
+Stay--_Friday_--Digby was at home; I remember he pleaded his cold."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson looked down on the paper he held: there was a strong
+expression of suspicion in his countenance. The other gentlemen
+exchanged looks, and Mr. James remarked, that he considered Frank
+the probable culprit.
+
+"I am glad he does not hear you say so, sir," exclaimed Hamilton. "I
+am sure Digby would sooner put his own on the fire! I'd trust Frank's
+honor as much as my own; and, I am sure, sir," he added, turning to
+Dr. Wilkinson, "_you_ know Frank too well."
+
+To Hamilton's annoyance, Dr. Wilkinson did not reply immediately.
+
+"Frank is too fond of practical jokes," he said, at last; "I wish I
+could give him a lesson he would remember. He will never be cured till
+it touches him severely."
+
+"But Frank would not joke on this, sir," expostulated Hamilton.
+"If he were not so high it might be so, but I'm sure it is not now."
+
+"Well, there is no time now to consider of this any more," said
+Dr. Wilkinson, getting up. "I could bring forward many instances
+of Digby's disregard of feelings and appearances when his fancy
+for joking interferes. Dr. Berry, will you be kind enough to attend
+to these for me, this afternoon? I shall be glad to call upon you
+on Wednesday for my second class, if you can spare me the day."
+
+Dr. Berry signified his ready acquiescence; and Dr. Wilkinson turned
+to Hamilton:
+
+"It is just school-time," he said; "but I wish you, after school,
+to make a search in every desk for your poem. I do not imagine it
+is destroyed. Mr. James will assist you. In the mean time, in the
+event of your poem not being discovered, you had better rewrite it
+as well as you can; I will give you till nine o'clock on the last
+morning."
+
+Hamilton bowed, thanked his master, and retired, exceedingly
+uncomfortable. His own loss was slight compared with the vexation
+he felt at any suspicion of Frank's honor being raised. A very
+different surmise would now and then try to rise in his own mind,
+but was vigorously opposed as ungenerous in the extreme. An idea
+of the real culprit never once occurred to him, nor to any other
+person. The first class being disengaged that afternoon, Hamilton
+employed himself with the new edition of his poem, but his thoughts
+wandered; and, had it not been for a good memory and the force of
+habitual concentration, he would have found it almost impossible
+to resume a task he had considered as finished, in circumstances
+so very disagreeable to him.
+
+As soon as the business of the day was concluded Dr. Wilkinson
+commanded every one to remain in his place, and then desired Hamilton
+to begin the search, carefully refraining from mentioning the object
+in quest. There was considerable excitement in the school when the
+doctor's command was made known, and it was strictly enforced, that
+no one should touch the desks till after the search had been made.
+
+"Frank Digby, come here!" shouted the doctor from his post. "Did I not
+desire that none of those desks should be touched at present?"
+
+"I was only putting my slate away, sir," said Frank, in much amazement.
+
+"I will not have your desk touched; stay here."
+
+"What's in the wind?" muttered Jones, sulkily. "The magister's in
+a splendid humor. What do you want in my desk, Hamilton?"
+
+"A trick has been played on me," said Hamilton, hastily; "my poem has
+been exchanged; but--" he added, hesitating, "I cannot bear this."
+
+"Nonsense, Hamilton!" said Mr. James, who was turning over the contents
+of Jones's desk. "There is nothing there."
+
+"Stand back, and let Hamilton look, pray!" exclaimed Reginald Mortimer.
+"What a shame it is!--you don't suspect _us_, Hamilton?"
+
+"_To be sure not!_" said Hamilton, warmly; "but I am desired to do this."
+
+"So much the better," said Salisbury; "you'll find mine locked, but here
+are my keys: we'll go up to the doctor. I say, Hamilton, don't upset my
+bottle of lemon kali, or my blue ink; you mightn't see them, perhaps,
+among the other things."
+
+Hamilton took the keys with some embarrassment, and the first class
+moved in a body to the upper end of the room, where they remained
+till every desk had been subjected to a fruitless ransacking.
+
+Louis' state of mind may be easily imagined. He had guessed the reason
+of the doctor's command the instant it was given; and had also heard
+the few words that passed between Hamilton and his friends. Oh! what
+would he have given that he had considered before he committed such
+folly! He could not bear to face Hamilton, and yet he must be near him
+when his own desk was examined, for he dared not move from his place.
+He had looked carefully there himself, but still he was afraid it might,
+by chance, be there. He hardly dared look round, for fear he should
+betray his secret; and yet his distress sadly longed for vent. "I did
+not mean to do any harm," was his reiterated thought; "I am sure, I
+thought it was a letter--I did not mean it." And then he wished to
+confess his fault; but, with his usual vacillation of purpose, he
+deferred it, till he should see how things went. It did seem strange
+that, with all the lessons he had had, he should have put off his
+confession; yet he dared not, and tried to quiet his conscience with,
+"I shall tell Hamilton alone;" and, "It's no use telling, when I can't
+find the poem." But his trouble was tenfold increased when Hamilton
+and Mr. James came near him, and finding his desk locked, inquired
+who's it was, and where the keys were.
+
+Hamilton remarked in a low tone, not aware that Louis was so near,
+"I suppose for form's sake we must look, but I am sure, poor fellow,
+he has nothing to do with it."
+
+Louis just then handed his key; and, as Hamilton's hand came in contact
+with his, he was struck by its cold clamminess, and just looking at him,
+noticed the troubled expression, and the almost tearful eyes that were
+fixed on him. He attributed Louis' anxiety to his natural timidity, as
+well as to his having probably overheard the remark on himself; and his
+heart smote him, for he still loved him, and had felt once or twice
+lately, that he had not done his duty towards him.
+
+The poem was not found. Louis ran out into the playground, despite the
+cold and twilight, to cry; and hurried in again in a few minutes, for
+fear of discovery. The members of the first class gathered round Hamilton
+to learn the story and to condole with him, and even Trevannion made some
+remark on the shamefulness of such a trick.
+
+"I am sure, whoever gets the prize will not feel comfortable unless your
+poem is found and compared," said Frank; "write away, Hamilton; no one
+shall disturb you. I don't wonder Fudge was in such a passion."
+
+Louis was very glad when bed-time came, and he could hide his tears and
+misery under the bed-clothes. Reginald had been too busy to notice that
+any thing was the matter with him; but Hamilton, occupied as he was, had
+seen it, though Louis had kept out of his way as much as possible. He
+dared not tell Reginald his trouble; and he felt afraid to pray--he did
+not remember that, though our Heavenly Father knows all our thoughts and
+wants, He requires that all our care and sin should be poured out before
+Him. The Christian does not love sin; and when, through unwatchfulness
+or neglect of prayer, he has been betrayed into the commission of it,
+let him remember, that He alone can remove it and restore peace to his
+wounded conscience, who has said, "Return, ye backsliding children, and
+I will heal your backslidings."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Louis got on very ill the next Wednesday, and Reginald, extremely vexed,
+spoke very angrily to him. Louis answered as unkindly, and walked proudly
+away from him to the other end of the school-room, where, in spite of
+his abhorrence of such company, he was soon surrounded by his worst
+companions. Hamilton was standing near Reginald at the time; he watched
+Louis in his proud descent, and saw that, though he turned away with
+an erect head and high words, his step soon grew more listless, and an
+expression of indefinable weariness usurped the place of the independence
+he had assumed.
+
+"Louis is unwell, I am sure, Reginald," he said.
+
+"He is well enough," said Reginald, abruptly; "but he is sadly altered:
+I never saw a boy so changed. He is quite ill-tempered now, and so
+horridly idle. Why, Hamilton, you'd never believe that in to-day's
+examination in _Prometheus Vinctus_, he got down below Harris!--he's
+positively at the bottom. He hardly answered any thing, and seemed
+quite stupefied."
+
+"The more reason to think he's not well," said Hamilton; "for, to my
+certain knowledge, he would have stood an examination on Prometheus
+better than that, a week after we came back. Why, Harris and Peters,
+and half the rest, are not to be compared with him."
+
+"I know it," said Reginald; "and that makes it the more vexatious.
+It's bad enough to think that Clifton should get ahead of him,
+but one may comfort one's self in the idea of his genius; but when
+it comes to those donkeyfied ignorami, it is past endurance. He
+has not tried a bit: I have seen him lately with his book before
+him, dreaming about some wonderful story of some enchanted ass, or
+some giantess Mamouka, I suppose; or imagining some new ode to some
+incomprehensible, un-come-at-able Dulcinea. He is always shutting
+himself up in his air-castles, and expecting that dry Latin and Greek,
+and other such miserable facts, will penetrate his atmosphere."
+
+"Don't be angry with him; something is the matter. You only drive
+him to herd with those boys," said Hamilton. "Look there!--there
+they are!--oh, Reginald! it is not right to leave him with them."
+
+"Speak to him yourself, Hamilton," said Reginald, a little sobered.
+"He will mind you. You have had a great deal to bear with him, but
+I know you make allowances."
+
+Hamilton did not reply, but he had determined on making the effort to
+detach Louis from his evil counsellors, when the latter suddenly left
+the room with Casson, and did not return till Hamilton had gone into
+the class-room.
+
+Casson was the only one to whom Louis could relieve his mind on the
+subject that weighed him down so heavily--and he had, at the time
+Hamilton was watching him so intently, been whispering some of his
+fears, only to be laughed at. Suddenly he paused--"Casson, just come
+with me; I think I recollect--yes, surely--"
+
+He did not wait to conclude his sentence, but, pulling Casson into the
+hall, sought his great-coat, dived to the bottom of the pocket, and,
+to his great joy, drew forth Hamilton's poem.
+
+"It's here! it's here! it's here!" he cried. "How could I have put it
+here without knowing? Oh, my dear Casson, I am _so_ glad!"
+
+"Well, what now?" said Casson, rudely. "What good is it? What do you
+mean to do with it?"
+
+"Give it back, of course--I think Hamilton will forgive me, and if not,
+I _must_ give it back to him, and then, perhaps, I shall be happy
+again; for I have not been happy for a long, long while: I have been
+very wrong," he added, in a low, sorrowful tone.
+
+"If ever I saw such a sap in my life," said Casson; "this comes of
+all your fine boasting; a nice fellow you are--why you're afraid
+of your own shadow! Do you know what you'll get if you give it back?"
+
+"Whatever happens," said Louis, "I feel I have done wrong--wrong in
+listening to you, too, Casson. Oh, if ever it please God to make me
+happy again, I hope I shall be more careful! I have been afraid to
+do right--I am afraid to think of all that has happened lately."
+
+"I always thought you were a canting hypocrite," said Casson,
+sneeringly. "I never see that you religious people do any better
+than any one else. Go and get a thrashing, as you deserve, for
+your cowardice, only don't tell any lies about me. Remember it
+was all your own doing."
+
+Casson opened the hall-door as he spoke, and ran into the playground,
+where most of the boys had assembled, the weather having cleared a
+little for the first time for the last two days.
+
+Louis sat down on a chair to think what he should do, and the
+long-restrained tears coursed slowly down his face. His first
+and best thought was to go at once to Hamilton, acknowledge his
+fault, and restore the poem. Then came the idea of renewed disgrace,
+and his head sunk lower on his breast, and the parcel fell from his
+powerless hands. So intense was his grief, that he was as unconscious
+that Dr. Wilkinson passed through the hall while he sat there, as that
+he had heard the conversation between himself and Casson; for, unknown
+to them both, he had been in a recess of the hall, nearly covered by
+the cloaks and coats, looking there for something in a little corner
+closet. Louis at last took up the paper, and went to Hamilton's room;
+but a servant was there, and he did not like to leave it. Next he
+thought of the doctor's study, but he dared not venture to approach
+it. At length, after wandering about from the bed-room to the
+lass-room door several times, he ventured to peep into the latter
+room, and, throwing the parcel in, ran to the playground as fast
+as his feet could carry him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+  "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law
+   of Christ."--Gal. vi. 2.
+
+
+As soon as Hamilton had decided that it was of no use following Louis,
+he called his brother to him and marched with him into the class-room,
+to explain, according to promise, some classical allusions that occurred
+in his Latin grammar. Reginald took his arm, and several of the first
+class, who saw them move, accompanied him, for the glass-door opening
+at the moment, admitted more cold air than was agreeable to those who
+did not feel inclined to visit the playground. They almost expected to
+find the doctor in the study, as they knew he had been there a short
+time before, but the sole occupant of the chamber was Frank Digby, who,
+to the astonishment of all, was standing in a very disconsolate attitude
+near the fireplace, leaning his head on the mantelpiece, and neither
+moved nor spoke when they entered.
+
+"Holloa, Momus!" exclaimed Reginald, "what's the row? as Salisbury
+would say; only, more properly we might ask, in your case, what do
+the tranquillity and genteel pensiveness of your demeanor denote?"
+
+"We're going to have a change in the weather," said Jones.
+
+"What's the matter, Frank?" asked Hamilton.
+
+"Nothing," replied Frank, raising his head quickly, and endeavoring,
+rather unsuccessfully, to smile, amid something that looked very
+much like tears; at least, if we must not be allowed to hint at such
+appearances, there was certainly much agitation in his countenance--so
+unusual a phenomenon, that a dead silence followed the ghastly effort.
+
+"Nonsense," said Hamilton, kindly; "you won't persuade me that nothing
+is the matter, Frank."
+
+"Nothing particular," said Frank, fidgeting with a penny that lay on
+the mantelpiece; "only the doctor has been giving me a lecture for the
+good of my morals, that's all."
+
+"A lecture?" repeated Norman.
+
+"What's been the matter, Frank?" said Reginald.
+
+"A small moral discourse upon the sin and danger of practical jokes,"
+said Frank, swallowing down such an evident degree of emotion as
+convinced his auditors that the discourse had been no ordinary one.
+"His hints were rather peculiar, Hamilton--too decided for so
+quick-sighted a youth as myself. I don't wonder he has such a
+horror of a joke; I should think the dear man never was guilty
+of such a crime in his life himself; or he has a strong imagination;
+or, perhaps, a bad opinion of your humble servant--all the same--the
+cause doesn't much signify; the effect's what one looks at."
+
+"Something dreadfully mysterious," said Reginald.
+
+Hamilton was silent. He watched anxiously Frank's varying countenance,
+the twitching of which, as well as the thick, quick tone in which he
+spoke, betrayed great excitement.
+
+"The fact is, I suppose, the doctor has reasons for his suspicions,"
+continued Frank, still more quickly, while his face grew redder, and
+his eyelids twinkled painfully, and the penny was fairly spun into
+the fender.
+
+"I haven't been quite so sage as I might have been, and, perhaps, jokes
+may not be quite gentlemanly--but,--but, Hamilton,--he thinks,--he
+thinks--and almost said it--that _I changed your poem_."
+
+"What a shame!" they cried.
+
+Frank stooped to pick up the penny, and was some minutes finding it.
+When he rose, he said:
+
+"One will grow old in time, but it's hard to pay so dearly for good
+spirits. However, you couldn't expect such a flow cheap, I suppose,"
+he added, with a little laugh.
+
+"You must have mistaken him," said Trevannion; "he couldn't have
+meant it."
+
+"I am not in the habit of taking offence at nothing," replied Frank.
+"Nay, I can be as purposely obtuse as any one when I choose, but one
+couldn't be blind."
+
+"What did he say?" said Reginald.
+
+"I don't exactly remember--a heap about 'pain inflicted,' of
+'misconstructions being placed on motives,' of 'transgressions
+against honor and kindliness;' and then, when I was at a loss to
+comprehend him, he said, 'he could not understand the gratification
+of seeing another disappointed and annoyed--when he discovered that
+his school-fellow, whom he confidently trusted, had substituted a
+blank sheet for a carefully, laboriously-written work;' and then
+I asked him if he supposed I had tricked Hamilton? and he said he
+couldn't think of another who was so likely to do it as myself--that
+'the constant indulgence in these senseless follies was likely to
+blunt the sense of honor,' 'that I must excuse him'--excuse him,
+forsooth--'if he spoke his mind on the subject:' and then he raked
+up an old affair, that happened ages ago, about an exercise--Salisbury,
+you remember--you were the victim; but that was a paltry, every-day
+affair, only he didn't seem to understand the difference. I'll back
+the doctor up for as good a memory as any man in the three kingdoms.
+I had forgotten that piece of moral turpitude, and might have been
+excused for imagining that the caning I got then had wiped out the
+offence. Hamilton," he added, with a faltering voice, laying his
+hand on Hamilton's shoulder--"you don't believe I did it?"
+
+"To be sure not, Frank," said Hamilton, heartily shaking Frank's hand.
+"I know you too well--I am as confident of you as I should be of myself
+in the same case. Don't think any more of it. I am sure the doctor
+doesn't believe it himself: he only wants to show what might be
+thought if you get a character for playing tricks. I am excessively
+vexed at this."
+
+"I don't feel at all certain he believes me yet," said Frank; "but
+this I declare, that unless your poem is found, I will withdraw all
+claim--I won't touch the prize for any consideration."
+
+"Don't do that, Frank," said Hamilton; "I'll give you some trouble yet
+with my new one."
+
+"If that gets it, so much the better," said Frank, "and I dare say it
+will; but you all hear--my mind is made up--I won't have a prize for
+this poem unless it is gained over Hamilton's first."
+
+"How came the doctor to begin this rigmarole?" asked Salisbury.
+
+Frank blushed, and replied, with a conscious laugh: "I did an abominably
+foolish thing last night, in dipping all the bed-room candles that were
+standing in the pantry, into a tempting basin of water; and Mrs. Guppy
+was malicious because the candles sputtered and wouldn't light, and,
+as usual, determined that I had done it; and Fudge taxed me with it
+this morning."
+
+"I wish," said Hamilton, emphatically, "I could discover the author of
+this shameful piece of business. It was vexatious enough in the first
+place, but this is painful to us all. Frank, every one knows you."
+
+"Doctor best of all," put in Frank.
+
+"I will give myself up to discovering who has done it," said Hamilton.
+
+"You had better give yourself up to finishing your poem," said Reginald;
+"for it's my humble opinion if you haven't found it now, your eyes won't
+discover the clue, if you were Argus himself."
+
+The others then began a rather noisy debate on the impropriety of
+their master's behavior; and little Alfred, finding his brother was
+not speaking, ventured to remind him of his promise. Contrary to his
+usual habit, Hamilton turned quite crossly to him:
+
+"What an idle fellow you are! Why don't you get _Lempriere_ and find
+them out for yourself?--you ought not to be beginning now."
+
+"I tried, Edward, but I couldn't understand it, and it went out of my
+head. I want to know about Cecropia again--I forget what country it was,
+Edward," said the child, timidly, noticing an ominous reddening of his
+brother's face.
+
+"A great deal of use it is giving you any information, is it not, sir?
+I have a great mind to make you write out every word I say. And pray
+what else have you forgotten?"
+
+"Not _forgotten_ any thing," said Alfred, meekly; "but I wanted to
+know, please Edward, who was Hannibal's father, and whether it was
+true about Hannibal's making the rocks red hot, and pouring vinegar
+on them? I don't think it could, for I don't know where he could
+get so much."
+
+"A great deal he carried in his own countenance," said Frank, "and
+the rest was made from the wine supplied for the Carthaginian officers.
+There's nothing like white-wine vinegar, Alfred; and the Carthaginians
+were renowned for parting with luxuries on an emergency."
+
+"Now I know that's your nonsense," said Alfred, looking very puzzled.
+"And, please Edward, who was Philomela and--"
+
+"That's enough--one at a time!" exclaimed Hamilton; "get _Lempriere_,
+and my Roman History, and you shall look them out with me. It's to be
+hoped you are not dreaming of a prize."
+
+"Poor infant!" said Salisbury; "it's hard work, I know, to remember
+the difference between those heathen chaps."
+
+Alfred had just brought the required books, and was opening them by
+his brother's desire, and Hamilton was standing near him at the table,
+when suddenly a packet was thrown into the room, and fell at his feet.
+Changing color, he picked it up with the rapidity of lightning, and,
+with an exclamation, rushed out of the room, before any one but Alfred
+had seen the transaction. Louis had just gained the threshold of the
+door leading to the playground, when Hamilton hailed him, and his long
+strides gaining on Louis' terror-impeded steps, he presently reached
+him, and, grasping him tightly by both arms, bore him back to the
+class-room, sternly desiring two or three boys, who attempted to
+follow, to stay behind. Louis did not make any resistance, and
+Hamilton, after locking the door and putting the key into his pocket,
+brought him irresistibly to the front of the fire, and, placing him
+with his back against the table, opposite the assembled group, desired
+him, under pain of instant punishment, to remain where he was.
+
+"What is the matter with him, Hamilton?" asked Reginald.
+
+"You shall see presently," said Hamilton; "I mean to have some
+inquiries answered: and please, Mortimer, however unpleasant it
+may be to you, let us have fair play."
+
+"I only stipulate it for Louis too," said Reginald.
+
+"He shall have it," said Hamilton, calmly; "but if he attempts to
+move till I have done, I will carry him at once to Dr. Wilkinson."
+
+Hamilton glanced at the windows, where five or six heads were
+darkening the lower panes, in their eagerness to discover the
+cause of Louis' forcible abduction; and, walking coolly up to
+them, bolted them, and drew down both blinds. He then returned
+to his place, and, drawing his coat-tails under his arms, arranged
+himself with his back to the fire, exactly opposite to Louis, who
+stood passively where he had been placed, very pale, but otherwise
+showing little emotion.
+
+"Now, sir," began Hamilton, "explain how you got this."
+
+As he spoke, he produced, to the astonishment of his school-fellows,
+the parcel--rubbed at the edges, but still the identical parcel, as
+he proved, by breaking the seal, and showing the writing inside.
+
+"What! Louis Mortimer!" exclaimed Jones.
+
+"_Et tu Brute!_" ejaculated Frank, in a tone of mingled surprise
+and reproach.
+
+"Louis!" said Reginald, coloring deeply; "oh, Louis! How did you
+find it, Hamilton?"
+
+"Did you not see it come in through the half-open door just now?"
+said Hamilton.
+
+"I fancied I saw something fly along," said Meredith.
+
+"I thought I heard something fall," said another.
+
+"Too cowardly to come openly," said Trevannion.
+
+The room seemed to turn round with Louis.
+
+"How did you come by this?" said Hamilton.
+
+There was no answer.
+
+"I will have an answer, Louis," he said: "and if you don't give it
+to me, you shall to Dr. Wilkinson!"
+
+Louis murmured something that no one heard.
+
+"What?" said Hamilton, sharply; "speak so as we can all hear. If you
+have brought it back for some one else," he added, in a softened tone,
+"say so at once; only let me know who took it."
+
+"I took it," replied Louis, with a great effort.
+
+"You ungrateful viper!" exclaimed Jones.
+
+Hamilton appeared a little moved, but checking the emotion, continued:
+
+"You! for--your--own--especial--gratification? And pray, when might
+you have accomplished that adroit and praiseworthy feat?"
+
+"Last Friday," said Louis, in so low a tone, that nothing but the
+silence that reigned could have made it audible.
+
+"And what was your motive?" asked Hamilton, leaning back against
+the mantelpiece, and putting one foot on the fender behind him.
+
+"Only a little fun!"
+
+"Pretty respectable _fun_!" said Hamilton, contemptuously.
+
+"Gratitude might have restrained you, one would think," said Jones,
+"if nothing else would. A pretty return for all Hamilton's kindness,
+to set to work to lose him his prize!"
+
+"I didn't, Jones," said Louis, warmly; "I thought it was a letter; I
+didn't mean any harm. And as to gratitude--when Hamilton was kind to
+me, I was grateful--and I do feel grateful for his kindness now; but
+he has been unkind enough lately to make me forget that."
+
+"And reason enough he had," said Meredith. "Unkind, indeed! why no one
+else stood your friend when we found out what a tell-tale you were."
+
+"I am sure nobody knew he was my friend then," said Louis, assuming an
+air of independence that ill became him. "Only last Friday, he let me
+believe that Trevannion had the doctor's Rollin; he offered me his, but
+I wasn't likely to take that, and--" Louis hesitated, for Hamilton's eye
+was upon him so calmly and inquiringly; and Louis felt he was not likely
+to have had such an idea in his head.
+
+"And what?" said Hamilton, quietly.
+
+"Nothing," replied Louis; "I don't believe you knew, only it was rather
+strange, Hamilton."
+
+"What was strange?" said Hamilton, in the same unmoved tone.
+
+"Only when I came back into this room, I saw it on the table with your
+things, and I thought you had it, perhaps," said Louis, reluctantly.
+"If it hadn't been for that, I shouldn't have come here, and shouldn't
+have thought of playing the trick."
+
+"You little--" exclaimed Trevannion. Not being able to find a genteel
+epithet strong enough, he continued, "When Hamilton had just taken the
+trouble of exchanging his own history with me, for your service! I see
+it all now, Hamilton--you ungrateful boy!"
+
+"How should I know? he never said so," replied Louis, touched to the
+heart at this proof of his friend's kindness; and grieved very deeply
+that he should have thought or said so unkind a thing of him in his
+anger. "How am I to know what people think, if they don't speak, or
+if I don't see them?"
+
+"And so you did it out of revenge?" said Hamilton.
+
+Louis was silent for a minute, for he could not speak; but at last
+he replied, in a quivering voice--
+
+"No; I told you I did it out of fun. I thought it was a letter,
+and--and I have been very sorry I ever did any thing so foolish.
+I should have brought it back sooner, but I could not remember
+what I did with it."
+
+"Why did you not tell me, at least, that you had taken it, Louis,"
+said Hamilton, "when I was inquiring for it? It would have been
+more open."
+
+"I should have done it, I believe, if I had known how you would have
+heard me--but it's not so easy when every one is against you. I brought
+it only a few minutes after I found it."
+
+"Who put such a thing into your head, Louis?" asked Reginald.
+
+Louis checked the answer he had nearly given, and remained silent.
+
+"Were you alone?" said Hamilton. "Were you the only one concerned
+in this business?"
+
+"I was not alone," replied Louis, rather proudly; "but I do not mean
+to say who was with me. He was not to blame for what I did."
+
+"How so?" asked Hamilton. "Didn't he put it into your head, and help
+you to do it?"
+
+"You have no right to ask such questions," said Louis, uneasily.
+"He came in to help me find Rollin, and--that's all I shall tell you."
+
+"What, Casson help you to find Rollin!" said Hamilton, quickly.
+"He wouldn't know the book from a Lexicon."
+
+"He did, however," said Louis; then, becoming suddenly conscious,
+from the intelligent glances exchanged among his judges, of the
+admission he had made, he turned very red, and exclaimed,
+
+"It's very unfair!"
+
+"I knew he was your companion," said Hamilton, rather scornfully. "You
+have belonged to his set too much lately to suppose otherwise--and this
+is the consequence."
+
+"If it is, Hamilton," said Louis, scarcely able to speak for the warmth
+of his feelings, "you might have prevented it if you would. You wouldn't
+forgive my speaking carelessly once--and no one that I cared for would
+notice me. He was almost the only one who would speak to me. If you had
+said one word, I shouldn't have been so bad. I thought you didn't care
+about me, and I didn't mean to stay where I wasn't wanted."
+
+The expression of Hamilton's face was not easy, and he drowned the end
+of Louis' speech by knocking all the fire-irons down with a movement of
+his poised foot.
+
+"It was a likely way to be wanted, I imagine," said Jones, "to go on
+as you have been doing. Besides, who is to know what's likely to be
+safe with such a tell-tale--a traitor--in the camp as you are?"
+
+"If there hadn't been another as great," said Louis, "you would never
+have known of me; but you bear with him because you can't turn him out."
+
+"Pray, sir!" exclaimed Norman, "whom do you mean?"
+
+Louis felt sorry he had allowed himself to say so much; but he stood
+unshrinkingly before his interrogator, and replied:
+
+"I mean you, Norman: you know if you hadn't told tales of me this
+wouldn't have happened."
+
+What vengeance Louis might have drawn on himself by this ill-judged
+speech we cannot tell, had not Hamilton stepped forward and interposed.
+
+There was a grim ghost of a smile on his face as he put his arm in
+front of Louis.
+
+"Fair play, Norman," he said; "I won't have him touched here.
+You can go now."
+
+As Louis left the room, Hamilton resumed his former attitude,
+and seemed lost in a revery of an unpleasant description, while
+a discussion on Louis' conduct was noisily carried on around him:
+some declaring that Louis had done the deed from malicious motives,
+others believing that it was merely a foolish joke of which he had
+not calculated the consequences, and a third party attributing it
+entirely to Casson's influence.
+
+"Vexed as I am to find Louis has been so foolish," said Reginald,
+"I am glad, Frank, that you will now be cleared. Hamilton, I am sure
+you believe that Louis only intended a joke?"
+
+Hamilton nodded gravely.
+
+"I suppose you'll clear up the matter instanter, Hamilton?"
+said Jones.
+
+"_Clear up the matter?_ How! is it not clear enough already?"
+said Hamilton, almost fiercely.
+
+"Clear to us, but not to the doctor," said Meredith.
+
+"It's as clear as it's likely to be, then," said Hamilton. "I intend
+to send up this poem the last evening, and say nothing about it."
+
+"A likely story!" exclaimed Jones.
+
+"If you don't, I shall, Hamilton," said Salisbury.
+
+"Whoever breathes a word of the matter," cried Hamilton, "ceases from
+that moment to be a friend of mine. Whose business is it, I should like
+to know--if I choose to throw that unhappy thing on the fire, who is the
+loser but myself? What satisfaction can it be to any one to get that boy
+into such a mess?"
+
+As Hamilton spoke he disdainfully flung the poem on the table, and
+drew the fender, contents and all, on the floor with his fidgety foot.
+
+"The matter comes to this," said Reginald: "it appears that either
+Louis must be exposed, or Frank suffer for his delinquencies. It is
+not, certainly, fair to Frank, and mustn't be, Hamilton, though Louis
+is my brother."
+
+Hamilton cast a bewildered look on Frank.
+
+"True, I had really forgotten Frank. It must be so, then," he said,
+in a lower tone.
+
+"No, Hamilton, no!" said Frank; "I won't have you tell of poor Louis.
+I don't care a bit about Fudge's suspicions now, _you_ all _know_ I
+am clear. Don't say a word about it, I beg."
+
+"Frank, you're a fine fellow!" exclaimed Hamilton, grasping his hand;
+"but I don't think it is quite fair."
+
+"Nonsense!" said Frank, gayly; "I owe him something for relieving
+me from my situation; and, besides," he added, more gravely, "Louis
+deserves a little forbearance from us: none of us would have done
+what he did, last half."
+
+"You are right," said Hamilton, warmly; "none of us would, but all of
+us have forgotten that lately; even Ferrers, who ought, at least, to
+have befriended him, has turned the cold shoulder to him. I feel quite
+indignant with Ferrers."
+
+"Ferrers had a little reason to doubt him," said Trevannion.
+
+"What, for letting his name slip out by accident?" said Hamilton,
+scornfully; "you heard how he let out Casson's just now--you wouldn't
+blame him for that, I imagine?"
+
+"No," said Frank; "and I can tell you that Mrs. Paget (no offence to
+her nephew) is one of those dear retailers of all descriptions of news,
+that would worm a secret out of a toad in a stone, and Louis hasn't
+ready wit enough to manage her."
+
+"He has no presence of mind, and a little vanity," said Hamilton.
+
+"He is as vain as a peacock--a lump of vanity!" exclaimed Norman;
+"without an atom of moral courage to stand any persuasion short of
+being desired to put his head into the fire--a perfect coward!"
+
+"And where did you get your moral courage, Mr. Norman?" said Hamilton,
+with deliberate gravity; "we may send you to the heathen for reproof:
+
+    'If thou hast strength, 'twas heaven that strength bestowed,
+     For know, vain man, thy valor is from God.'"
+
+Norman was on the point of speaking, but Hamilton continued in the
+same calm, irresistible manner:
+
+"If Louis is vain, we are proud; and I should like to know which is
+the worst,--having an exalted opinion of ourselves, or craving the
+exalted opinion of others? We have not behaved well to Louis, poor
+fellow! we first spoiled him by over-indulgence and flattery, and
+when this recoils upon us, we visit all the evil heavily on him."
+
+"I only want to remark," said Meredith, "that we had a right to expect
+more consistency in a professed saint."
+
+"Perhaps so," said Hamilton; "yet, though I am sure Louis is a sincere
+Christian, he is not free from faults, and had still a hard work to do
+in overcoming them; and, because he has for a time forgotten that he
+had this work to do, shall we cast him off as a reprobate? Remember it
+was his former blameless conduct that made us expect more from him than
+another: the Power that guided him then can restore him again. But we
+have sadly forgotten that great duty, of bearing one another's burdens,
+which he taught us so sweetly a few months ago. Let us forgive him,"
+continued Hamilton, with tears in his eyes, "as we would be forgiven;
+considering how we should act in temptation ourselves."
+
+There was a dead silence, for Hamilton's address had something solemn
+in it. He added, after a short pause--
+
+"I feel that we seniors have an immense responsibility: the power of
+doing much good or harm lies with us. I have been far too selfish and
+indifferent: Trevannion, will you forgive the thoughtless words that
+so justly offended you, but which, I assure you, had only the meaning
+of an angry emotion?"
+
+"Willingly!" said Trevannion, starting up to meet the proffered hand
+of his friend; "I am sorry I should have been so much offended."
+
+Reginald was making some acknowledgments to Hamilton and Frank, when a
+messenger came to summon Hamilton to a short turn with the doctor, and
+after gladly accepting Reginald's offer of performing his task towards
+Alfred, he took up his poem, and went away full of deep thoughts and
+regrets, that the late scene had called forth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+  "O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast
+   fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn
+   to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and
+   receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of
+   our lips."--Hosea xiv. 1, 2.
+
+
+When Louis left the class-room, his feelings of grief and shame were
+almost too bitter for restraint; but he had learned lately to conceal
+something of what he felt from those who were not likely to sympathize
+with him; and finding some boys in the school-room, and being subjected
+there to several disagreeable remarks and questions, he went into the
+playground, in the hope of finding either relief in change of scene,
+or a little more seclusion than he could hope for in-doors; and after
+escaping from some tormentors, who met him at the door, in their anxiety
+to know what Hamilton wanted with him, he went towards the side of the
+playground that looked upon the lane, hardly caring where he was going,
+or what became of him.
+
+The door was open, and disregarding, or more properly, forgetting, the
+injunctions respecting it, he went up to it, and stood looking out into
+the lane, till at last, one of his school-fellows discovering the open
+door, came up, and asked him to keep watch for him, while he went on a
+forbidden errand.
+
+Meantime, Dr. Wilkinson and Hamilton had, after a walk across the
+grounds in front of the house, turned into the lane, making as large
+a round as possible, on their way to the house. Hamilton was in a very
+silent humor, and as his tutor was equally grave, very few words passed
+between them during the first half of their walk; and if Hamilton had
+thought at all about what he had undertaken so mechanically, he might
+have wondered how the doctor could have wanted a companion, when he
+was in so taciturn a humor.
+
+Suddenly the doctor remarked,--"Have you heard nothing of your poem,
+Hamilton?"
+
+This was so unexpected a question, and Hamilton was so unwilling to
+make a direct answer, that he remained silent for a minute or two,
+his hesitation and color convincing his master that Louis had acted
+up to his determination.
+
+"Well, have you forgotten all about it?" said the doctor, good-humoredly.
+
+"I have found it, sir--here it is," he replied, producing the paper.
+
+"How did you get it?" asked the doctor, who betrayed far less surprise
+and satisfaction than the occasion seemed to demand.
+
+"It was thrown into the class-room this morning, sir," said Hamilton,
+reservedly.
+
+"And you are ignorant of the party?" said the doctor, with raised
+eyebrows.
+
+"No, sir, I know who has done it," replied Hamilton, after a slight
+pause; "but I must beg you to excuse my naming him. I think there
+is no danger of a repetition of the offence. Of course you will
+understand, sir, that I do not mean Digby, who is as innocent as
+I ever believed him."
+
+There was a little silence, while the doctor ran his eye down
+a page of Hamilton's manuscript.
+
+"As you wish to keep the matter secret, I shall ask no further
+questions; only, Digby may not think it quite fair."
+
+"He wishes it to be so, sir," replied Hamilton, eagerly. "It is quite
+his wish now he knows I have _proof_ that he is not the culprit."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson's face lighted up with an expression of great satisfaction,
+as he said,
+
+"It does Digby credit."
+
+Hamilton was on the point of hazarding a remark on the impossibility
+of Frank's contemplating such a thing, when they turned a corner of the
+lane that brought them in sight of the playground wall and the farm-yard
+opposite. The doctor's attention was suddenly arrested by the figure of
+a boy, perched on the top of the high wall surrounding the latter, who
+was reaching downwards towards the top of a large hawthorn-tree that
+grew inside.
+
+"Hey-day! Hamilton, who's that?" he exclaimed. "Do you recognize
+the figure? If my eyes deceive me not, it is Louis Mortimer. I have
+strongly suspected lately that I have been robbed more than once.
+It _is_ Louis Mortimer."
+
+The doctor's tone assumed its ready sternness, and he quickened his
+pace. Hamilton could not doubt the evidence of his senses, but he felt
+miserably disappointed.
+
+"I do not think Louis Mortimer would do so, sir," he said, faintly.
+
+"There he is, however, out of bounds," said the doctor.
+
+"Something else may have taken him there," said Hamilton.
+
+"I hope it may prove so, but he is surely receiving something from
+below--he sees us--he will be down--he will assuredly break his neck!"
+exclaimed the doctor, hurriedly. "There--quick, Hamilton--run."
+
+Hamilton needed no bidding, for, as soon as he saw Louis fall,
+he ran off in the direction of the stable-yard. The doctor followed
+so quickly that Hamilton had only just raised Louis from the ground
+when he came up. To their great satisfaction he was not much hurt,
+having fallen on a heap of straw that lay just under the wall. He
+was much frightened, and at first so stunned as to be almost incapable
+of understanding what was said to him. On the ground near him lay his
+green baize bag, and rolling about in all directions, some apples,
+one or two still remaining in the bag.
+
+"Where is your companion, sir?" was the first question Dr. Wilkinson
+asked, after ascertaining that no injury had been done to Louis.
+
+"There was no one with me, sir," replied Louis, almost inarticulately.
+
+"What were you doing here, sir?"
+
+"I came to fetch my bag, sir."
+
+"It is a mercy you were not killed," said Dr. Wilkinson, gravely.
+"Put the apples in that bag, Hamilton."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson waited till Hamilton had performed this task, and
+then desired Louis to take the bag and follow him.
+
+Louis did as he was desired, but he was evidently not yet in a
+condition to walk, and trembled so violently that Hamilton caught
+hold of him to prevent him from falling.
+
+"He can't walk yet, sir," he said, compassionately. "I will bring
+him in when he has recovered a little."
+
+"It is too cold to sit out here," said the doctor. "Where are you hurt?"
+
+"I don't exactly know; I am not much _hurt_--but, oh! I feel so
+strange, Hamilton. Let me walk--I can take your arm."
+
+Dr. Wilkinson looked anxiously at him, and assisted him, with Hamilton's
+aid, across the road, through the garden, into the kitchen, where, with
+a little hartshorn and water, he was soon in a condition to go up stairs.
+Dr. Wilkinson desired him to go to bed for the rest of the day, and
+sent Reginald to help him. The bag he took into his own possession
+till further occasion.
+
+Louis was too much dismayed by his ill success, and too much exhausted
+by the shock of his fall, to make any remarks till he reached his room.
+Hamilton did not leave him until he had seen him comfortably in bed;
+and then, after wrapping him up most tenderly, he leaned over him, and
+asked what was really the matter.
+
+Louis endeavored to answer calmly, but in his present weak condition
+Hamilton's kind manner overcame him, and he burst into tears.
+
+"Oh, dear!" he exclaimed, amid his violent sobs; "oh, Reginald,
+Reginald--Hamilton, I am so unfortunate! Every thing I do is always
+found out; but others can do all sorts of things, and no one knows it."
+
+"Is there any thing then to be found out, Louis?" said Hamilton,
+gravely; "if so, it is far better for you that it should be."
+
+Louis suddenly threw his arms round Hamilton, as he sat near him.
+
+"Hamilton, I did not go there to steal, I am sure," he said, throwing
+his head back, and examining his friend's face with the most intense
+anxiety. "I am sure, Hamilton, bad as I am, you could not believe it
+of me. I have been very sinful, but oh, I am very sorry; and, Hamilton,
+I _could_ not do so very wicked a thing. Do remember, please, how things
+were against me before when I was not guilty. Though it seems all against
+me now, I assure you, the only thing I have done wrong is going out of
+bounds--oh, do let me keep my arms round you, Hamilton--don't believe
+me guilty. I haven't--oh, I haven't had a friend for so long! I have
+been very proud and self-willed--if I had been humble perhaps things
+would not have gone so wrong. I never even said I was sorry I repeated
+what you said to Mrs. Paget; but I was sorry, Hamilton--very, very sorry,
+only I did not like to say so. Will you forgive me, and be my friend
+again? I have been so ungrateful, I am afraid you will never love me
+any more."
+
+Hamilton was completely overcome by the vehemence of Louis' appeal.
+He pressed the poor boy closer to him, and even kissed his forehead,
+as if he were a little child.
+
+"Love you, Louis! love you, dear boy!" he replied; "you have had reason
+to doubt it, but I have always loved you. I forgive you from my heart,
+but you have something to forgive in me. I have not been as kind to you
+as I might have been."
+
+"I am very sorry I spoke so unkindly of you this morning, Hamilton,"
+sobbed Louis, laying his wet cheek on Hamilton's shoulder. "I was cross,
+and didn't think of what I was saying."
+
+"Don't think any more about it," said Hamilton, affectionately; "lie
+down, and tell me quietly how you came to be on that wall just now."
+
+"I was standing at the wooden door," said Louis, "when Sally Simmons
+told me that she had seen my bag on the great hawthorn-tree, by the
+wall on the other side. And when I asked her how it got there, she
+said, she supposed I knew, but it was too high for her to reach; and
+if I didn't get it, the doctor would find me out. At first, I thought
+I wouldn't go," said Louis, hesitating; "and then I was afraid I should
+be getting into a scrape--I am sometimes so unfortunate--and so I went
+across the lane, and got over the gate, and went into the yard to see
+if it were there. And there it was, Hamilton, with some apples in it,
+too, hanging partly, and partly lying, near the top of the tree; it was
+so high that I was obliged to get upon the cow-house roof, and as the
+cow-house was on the wrong side, I was obliged to get on the wall to
+read it. And I was pulling it off when you first saw me, and then--I
+was afraid, and as I was rather over-reaching myself, I tried to get
+down in a hurry, and fell down. I think the tree broke my fall; but I
+don't know how it was, for I hardly understood any thing, even when
+you came up."
+
+"You had better have let it alone," said Reginald.
+
+"What were you doing at the gate?" said Hamilton; "keeping watch?"
+
+"One of them asked me," replied Louis.
+
+Hamilton shook his head.
+
+"Have you any idea how your bag came there?"
+
+"Please don't ask me any questions about that, Hamilton. Will you not
+believe I am innocent?"
+
+"I fully believe your story, Louis, but I know you have been in bad
+company lately, and I wish to help you to clear yourself. Tell me all
+you know. If you have ever had even the least hand in any thing like
+this, make a friend of me, and tell me at once. Have you not some
+idea who put your bag there?"
+
+"I may guess, you know," said Louis, evasively; "but, Hamilton, I
+do assure you, I never had any thing to do with any robbery here at
+all--never once."
+
+"If you do not know who has done it, then," said Hamilton, "I am sure
+your _guess_ is a very accurate one--whom do you _guess_?"
+
+"I cannot tell you, Hamilton; you mustn't ask me."
+
+"This is only nonsense," said Reginald, impatiently. "Are you going to
+make a martyr of yourself for a set of bad fellows who are a disgrace
+to the school?"
+
+"They may tell themselves, perhaps," said Louis, "but I will not."
+
+"Louis!" said Hamilton, seriously, "this is folly; don't let a
+mistaken notion of honor induce you to screen these bad boys from
+their just punishment. By doing so, you are doing an injury to others
+as well as yourself. You must remember, that these evil-disposed boys
+are still mixing with others, to whom their example and principles
+may do much harm, independently of the evil done to themselves by
+being allowed to sin with impunity. Louis, you were saying just now,
+that you were very unfortunate--they are the most unfortunate whose
+crimes are undiscovered, and therefore unchecked. If you are, as you
+say, innocent of any participation in this affair, why should you wish
+to conceal what you know, or, at least, telling me whom you lent your
+bag to?"
+
+"I did not lend it at all lately," said Louis, raising his face from
+the pillow, where he had hidden it. "The thing is, Hamilton," continued
+he, very sorrowfully, "I am called a tell-tale, and I know I deserve
+it; but the worst is, they call me a hypocrite, and say that religious
+people are no better than others. I could bear it if it were only
+myself, but it is more, and I have given reasons for them to say all
+kinds of things," he added, and burst anew into tears. "But do not
+make me tell any more tales. I have promised, Hamilton--I dare not--I
+_will_ not break my promise!"
+
+Hamilton made no immediate reply, and the loud ringing of the
+dinner-bell obliged him to leave Louis to himself.
+
+"If it is a promise, Louis," he said, as he left the room with
+Reginald, "I won't urge you to break it; but remember well how
+the promise was made--remember the consequences."
+
+"Reginald," he added, when they had closed the door, "I have a clue;
+depend upon it, he won't be much the worse, poor fellow. But the
+doctor knows him well, I am sure."
+
+Reginald stole away after dinner to sit with Louis, and to endeavor
+to persuade him to disclose all his suspicions, but all he could
+obtain was a kind of half-promise to clear it up, after he had seen
+how the matter would end; and the subject caused him so much distress,
+that Reginald at length left it alone.
+
+"Sit down by my side, dear Reginald," said Louis, "and tell me again
+that you forgive me. I cannot think how I could be so unkind to you
+as I have been lately, when you were so anxious about me. I have been
+ungrateful to every body."
+
+"Don't make yourself miserable," said Reginald, as gayly as he could.
+"I know I am hasty and cross, and don't go the right way to help you;
+but you had spoiled me by being so very gentle before, and I didn't
+understand your having any spirit."
+
+"It was a very wrong spirit," replied Louis; "the fact is, Reginald,
+I have not been serving God lately, though at first I did not know it
+myself. I thought I did a great many things when I came back to school,
+because it would glorify God; when, I really believe now, the reason
+was--to be praised for it. Every one seemed to think so much of me,
+and that every thing I did was right. I have wished so many times
+lately, that all the trouble of last half-year might come again if
+I should be so happy. But, Reginald, when the boys would not speak
+to me, then I knew by my angry feelings that I only cared for myself;
+and I saw that I had not been serving God, and I became afraid to pray.
+Sometimes so strangely, when I knew I was in the wrong, and that I ought
+to pray for help to be better, yet I wanted to look grand, and to show
+I didn't care, and I never used the time I had, and that's very little
+here, Reginald. I have been thinking of myself almost ever since I came
+back--I have been thinking of glorifying myself!" He paused, and then
+added, in a lower tone, "I fancied I was not selfish, but now I _know_
+I am!"
+
+When Reginald went away, Louis had long and quiet time to trace the
+reason of his sad falling away, and to make his peace with Him whose
+great name he had so dishonored. Earnestly, humbly, and sorrowfully
+did he confess his faults. How bowed to the earth he felt, in the
+consciousness of his utter impotence! He remembered how confident
+he had been in his good name; and now he became aware, in this silent
+self-examination, how mixed his motives had been, how full of vanity
+and vain-glory he had been, how careless in waiting for "more grace,"
+how little he had thought of pressing forward, how wanting he had been
+in that single heart that thought only of doing the work committed
+to him regardless of the approbation of men--that only desired to
+know what was right in order fearlessly to follow it; and unutterable
+were the tearful desires of his heart that he might be strengthened
+for the time to come to walk more worthy of the vocation wherewith
+he was called.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+  "I will heal their backslidings, I will love them freely;
+   for mine anger is turned away from him. Ephraim shall say,
+   What have I to do any more with idols?"--Hosea xiv. 4, 8.
+
+  "I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak
+   peace to His people, and to His saints, but let them not
+   turn again to folly."--Psalm lxxxv. 8.
+
+
+Louis awoke from a calm, sound sleep very early the next morning,
+with a dim, indistinct recollection of having, when half awake during
+the night, seen Dr. Wilkinson standing by him, and of a consciousness
+of a hand being laid on his forehead and his hands; but, as he did not
+feel certain, much less suppose it likely, he settled that he must have
+dreamed it. It was quite dark when he awoke, and it was some few minutes
+before the events of the preceding day ranged themselves in any order
+in his mind; and then his thoughts flew to that rest whence they had
+been so long absent.
+
+In about half an hour, several of his school-fellows began to rouse
+themselves, and, a candle or two being lighted, dressing was hastily
+accomplished; and, rolling themselves up in counterpanes and blankets,
+shawl fashion, they proceeded to pore over the books they had brought
+up the night before.
+
+"I don't mean to get up," growled Frank; "it's a great deal more
+comfortable in bed. Clifton, bring me my candle here, and put it
+on that chair--I shall make a studium of my couch."
+
+"Dr. Wilkinson asked if we read with candles near the beds," said
+Clifton. "He said he wouldn't have us read in bed unless it were
+daylight, Digby."
+
+"Well, we'll suppose he didn't," said Frank, "so come along."
+
+"No, I won't," said Clifton, sitting down, near a chest of drawers,
+on which was a candle, the joint property of himself, Reginald, and
+Louis.
+
+"You won't, won't you?" said Frank, coolly; "Reginald, my candle's
+near you, I'll trouble you for it."
+
+"You must take the consequences, then," said Reginald, "for I heard
+the doctor say so."
+
+"_I_ didn't," said Frank, snuffing his candle, and opening a book;
+"Meredith, I'd advise you to follow my example."
+
+"I followed it yesterday, and fell asleep in uncomfortable snoozes
+till the bell rang," yawned Meredith. "Reading one word and dreaming
+six may be entertaining, but it is certainly not instructive."
+
+There was very little noise, and Louis lay for some time in deep
+thought. At length he moved as if with the intention of getting up,
+when Reginald started up and planted his beaming face over him so as
+to prevent his rising:
+
+"Awake at last, Louis?"
+
+"Yes, I have been awake a long time."
+
+"You've been very quiet."
+
+"How happy you look!" said Louis; "I could almost fancy you had
+something to tell."
+
+"What will you give me for my news?"
+
+"I am afraid I can offer nothing but thanks," replied Louis, smiling.
+
+"What should you say if I were to tell you Casson was gone?"
+
+"Casson _gone_!" exclaimed Louis, starting up in spite of his
+brother's incubian overseership. "Where? When? How? Was he ill?
+What was the matter?"
+
+"He went home yesterday evening by the London coach. He was in
+perfect bodily health. The matter was, that the magister wouldn't
+keep him."
+
+"What! _expelled_, Reginald?" said Louis, aghast.
+
+"Expelled, Louis," Reginald replied, gravely; "don't look so
+frightened; he deserved it."
+
+"Oh, Reginald! it is so terrible! But how--why was it so sudden?"
+
+"Ah, Beauty!" said Frank, "a few wonders have happened while
+your ladyship has been sleeping there. What will you say to
+Harris going, too?"
+
+"Harris! no, surely not, Frank? Tell me, do tell me what's been
+the matter."
+
+"We promised to let Hamilton tell the story," said Reginald.
+"He has been, in a great measure, the cause of finding all out;
+so make haste and go to him, for I want you back again."
+
+Louis did not need any further bidding--he hurried his toilette,
+and flew to the room that Hamilton enjoyed to himself. Hamilton
+was up. An open Bible lay near him, which he closed as Louis entered.
+
+"How are you, foolish boy, this morning?" he said, kindly--very kindly,
+Louis thought, as he squeezed his hand.
+
+"I am very well, thank you. Reginald's been telling me strange news
+this morning."
+
+"News?" said Hamilton. "He promised me--"
+
+"Oh! I only know that Casson's gone, and Harris going, but he would
+not tell me any more."
+
+"Well, then, I will."
+
+"Hamilton," said Louis, gently laying his hand on Hamilton's,
+"may I ask one thing?"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Will you read a little of this with me first?" he said, timidly,
+touching the Bible. "I have neglected it so lately. It would be so
+pleasant before we begin any thing else. You do not know how difficult
+it is in our room to be a minute quiet."
+
+Hamilton had opened the Bible before Louis had finished, and bade
+him select a chapter, which he asked him to read aloud.
+
+Louis read the 7th Psalm, and the 14th of Hosea; and when he had
+finished, he and his friend remained very silent.
+
+Hamilton felt for Louis, though he did not know how soothingly
+the sweet words fell on the soul of the erring boy; how unspeakably
+precious had been the promise, that the backslider should be healed,
+and the dew of the Spirit refresh him, and make him grow in grace.
+Louis felt a wish to prolong those gracious words, "Ephraim shall say,
+What have I any more to do with idols? I have heard and observed him;
+I am like a green fir-tree, from me is thy fruit found!"
+
+"Dear Hamilton," he said, at length, "I have a very great favor to
+beg of you--would you let me come in a little every morning to read
+with you? It would do me so much good."
+
+"By all means," said Hamilton, perhaps a little shily; but it was
+promise enough to call forth Louis' heartfelt thanks.
+
+Hamilton then made Louis don a cloak of his, and stretching his own
+legs, so as to rest them comfortably on the window where Louis was
+sitting, he entered into a minute detail of the events of yesterday
+afternoon, equally surprising and interesting to Louis.
+
+It appeared that Hamilton, acting on his own strong suspicions, went
+immediately after dinner to Dr. Wilkinson, whom, strange to say, he
+found equally inclined to listen to them; for he confessed to Louis
+that he did not exactly know what had made Dr. Wilkinson so suddenly
+take such a decided view of Casson's character as he appeared to have
+done. They went to the stable and examined it very carefully. They
+found the door unfastened; but on further consideration, discovered
+that the staple, which was rusty, had been broken off, so that, though
+the key had been turned, it could be opened as easily as if it had had
+no lock. They went up through the trap-door, but found nothing to
+assist them, till, just as they were descending, Hamilton picked up
+part of a Greek exercise. It was very small, not more than two inches
+square; a more careless observer might not have noticed it, but Hamilton
+seized it as a treasure, and, with the doctor's advice, set to work to
+discover whose handwriting it was.
+
+The few words he deciphered carried him to the second class for the
+owner: "And oh, Louis! Dr. Wilkinson looked so grave when I told him
+it was Kenrick. But I knew it was not your writing. With very little
+trouble, and without discovering any thing, I soon found Harris to have
+been the writer. Having settled this point about an hour after school
+had begun, I took the first opportunity of informing the doctor, who
+immediately entered the school-room, suspended all business, summoned
+every one, and in an able speech, as the papers would say, prefaced
+the proceedings by declaring how painful it had been to him to discover
+that any of his pupils were not trustworthy, _et cetera_; and his
+determination to arrive at some conclusion on the point, to know
+whether his orders were or were not to be obeyed. He then mentioned
+having found you, and his firm belief, that even supposing you had
+gone there for the purpose of abstracting the apples, _which he could
+not believe_, you must have been tempted and persuaded to it by
+older hands; he called upon the offenders to come forward and clear
+the matter. Well, no one answered; and then the doctor just alluded
+to you, and what you had suffered last half, and said that he had
+determined that every one should be aware of the grounds of accusation,
+and he desired, if any one knew of any thing that would throw a light
+on the matter, he would come forward.
+
+"Then, to every one's surprise, comes up Charles Clifton, and tells
+him coolly, that he was sure you had not stolen the apples, and that
+it was very likely to be Harris, Casson, and Churchill, and that Sally
+Simmons had, in his presence, given them apples, and they joked about
+the place where they came from. Sally was called, and at last confessed
+that she had let Casson know where the apples were kept; and they
+frightened her, or something, for she tried to bring you in as an
+accomplice, only Clifton was so manful, and braved her with so much
+spirit, that she soon quitted that ground, and departed under sentence
+of dismissal."
+
+"Oh, poor Sally! I am very sorry."
+
+"She is a bad girl," said Hamilton; "I never liked Clifton so well
+as I did yesterday: there is a great deal of truthful independence
+about him."
+
+"Oh, Charlie's a very nice fellow!" said Louis, warmly. "Well, Hamilton."
+
+"Well, Casson and Harris bullied, talked of characters defamed, and
+stoutly protested innocence. The doctor looked so indignant; I think
+I never saw him so thoroughly convinced of the evil-mindedness of any
+one, as he appeared to be of Casson's. He heard all they had to say,
+and spoke to them seriously of the crime they were adding. Harris
+looked abashed, but Casson declared there was not enough to convict
+him in the evidence of a 'liar like Sally, and a self-sufficient
+fellow like Clifton;' when, to my astonishment, Trevannion came
+forward, and gave his pocket-book open into the doctor's hands."
+Hamilton then proceeded to tell Louis what Trevannion had seen on
+the memorable Friday, and the great effect produced upon the school
+by the reading of the memorandum. Churchill confessed every thing,
+and cried, and begged pardon.
+
+It seemed that they had gone no further than the gate leading to the
+field, on the Friday morning, as they saw some one in the distance; but
+that the plan had been renewed on Monday at twilight, when they were
+disturbed by a man with a lantern, coming into the yard as they left
+the stable, and, instead of going out the usual way, they scrambled
+over the wall, dropping the bag in their hurry, and had no opportunity
+the ensuing day to look for it.
+
+"Harris," continued Hamilton, "turned as white as a sheet, and
+murmured something that no one could understand. The doctor spoke
+really beautifully. I hope something of what he said may remain
+with them, at least, be remembered at some future time."
+
+"What did he say?" asked Louis.
+
+"He spoke about the heinousness of the offences they had committed,
+and of his sorrow; and, Louis, he spoke as if he were sorry," said
+Hamilton, looking down, and speaking gravely. "I felt as if I were
+wrong in being so rejoiced at their detection. He spoke of the
+necessity he was under, not simply of making an example of such
+offenders, which was a duty he owed to the others under his charge,
+but of that of marking also to themselves the great abhorrence he
+entertained of their conduct. He then spoke of the consequences of
+unchecked sin, and, in a few words, mentioned a very sad history
+of a former pupil of his who turned out very ill--he is dead, Louis;
+the manner in which he spoke of that prayer of the Psalmist's, 'Make
+me not a rebuke unto the foolish,' was very solemn; I assure you there
+were very few dry eyes."
+
+Louis' were filled with tears.
+
+"Well, Hamilton," he said, slowly.
+
+"He then desired Casson to go directly and make preparations for leaving
+his house in less than an hour, and told Harris that he should not allow
+him to return after the holidays. There was not a sound when Casson left
+the room, Louis, except the sobbing of one or two of the little boys. I
+think I never felt any thing so solemn. It is a serious, a very serious
+thing."
+
+"Very, very," said Louis. "Did Casson seem sorry, Hamilton?"
+
+"He was very pale and silent--I think frightened, not sorry. Harris
+stood like a statue while the doctor was speaking; but, when he told
+him he was not to return, I heard him sigh so deeply, it was quite
+painful."
+
+"And Churchill?" said Louis, with difficulty.
+
+"Churchill is to stay a week behind the others, and to write exercises
+every day till he goes home."
+
+"Oh, Hamilton, Hamilton!" cried Louis, bursting fairly into tears,
+"I am not crying wholly for sorrow; for I am, and ought to be, thankful
+that I have not been made a 'rebuke unto the foolish.'"
+
+Hamilton pressed his hand.
+
+"I hope," he continued, "that this may be a blessing to me; but I am
+very much afraid of myself, Hamilton, for I am constantly making good
+resolutions and breaking them--but, Hamilton, do you think they would
+suppose I had told of them?"
+
+"Dr. Wilkinson told them you would not break your promise and clear
+yourself by betraying them," replied Hamilton; "and he also said a
+great deal on the folly of rash promises, and the evil of covering
+sin. I wish you had heard it; but we must not talk any more, for here
+is Alfred, and we shall have the prayer-bell presently; so, if you
+have any thing to do before you go down, you had better make haste."
+
+Louis dried his tears, and obeyed the hint, after submitting, with no
+very great reluctance, to a mighty hug from Alfred, who would have given
+vent to his delight in a great flow of words had not his brother been
+present and waiting for him. There was little time for talking when
+Louis returned to his dormitory; but he and his brother made the most
+of it, and, arm in arm, they issued forth when the summons was heard.
+All the way down stairs Louis received the congratulations of his
+school-fellows. Everybody, even Trevannion, seemed to have forgiven
+him, and Norman held out his hand at the hall-door with a "Shake hands,
+old fellow!"
+
+Louis felt rather afraid of entering the school-room, but
+Dr. Wilkinson made no comment, and, as far as he could judge
+from the doubtful light of a few candles struggling with the
+coming daylight, scarcely looked at him. The names were called
+over. At Harris's name there was a pause---some one answered,
+"Not here, sir;" and, as Dr. Wilkinson, without any comment,
+proceeded, Louis caught a few whispered words near him:
+
+"He's been moaning nearly all night, poor fellow! he's in a terrible
+way now;" and then the reply, "Ah, the doctor never unsays any thing!"
+
+When prayers were over, Dr. Wilkinson called Louis into the
+study, and kept him till breakfast-time with him. What passed,
+never transpired; but that it was something serious was conjectured
+from Louis' exceedingly humble manner and red eyes, when he left the
+room--though every one was sure, from the subsequent manner of both
+master and pupil, that all was entirely forgiven, and Louis reinstated
+fully in Dr. Wilkinson's good graces.
+
+But I must hasten to finish my story. The prize day arrived. It was
+a dismal, wet, dreary day; but the boys cared nothing for that, except
+that the audience was smaller than usual. Charles Clifton carried away
+all the first prizes of his class, except that for French, which was,
+contrary to his expectation, adjudged to Louis. Hamilton having privately
+signified to the doctor his wish to withdraw all claim to the medal, it
+was likewise bestowed on Clifton. Reginald was not successful in any
+branch this half-year, having so recently entered the highest class.
+As for Frank and Hamilton, the poems were considered so equal--Hamilton's
+being the more correct, and Frank's displaying the greater talent and
+brilliancy--that they each received a prize exactly alike. The doctor
+passed a high encomium on Frank's industry, and that original young
+gentleman had the satisfaction of bearing away two prizes in addition
+to that already mentioned, leaving another for Hamilton, one for Ferrers,
+and one for Norman.
+
+Just as the boys had dispersed, and Reginald and Louis were arranging
+a snug place in their carpet-bag for Louis' prize, a letter was put
+into the hand of the former.
+
+"From home, Reginald?" cried Louis; "I suppose it is to say who is
+coming for us."
+
+But, no;--it was to tell them of the illness of a lady who had been
+staying at Dashwood Priory, which had assumed so much the character
+of typhus fever, that Mr. Mortimer considered it unsafe for his boys
+to return; and the letter, which was from their mother, informed
+them, with many expressions of affectionate regret, that their father
+had written to ask Dr. Wilkinson to keep them a few days, till it
+could be decided how they were to be disposed of. Poor Louis was
+grievously disappointed, and Reginald, not less so, inveighed aloud
+on the folly and impertinence of ladies going to friends' houses to
+fall ill there and prevent their sons from enjoying their holidays,
+so long, that Louis at length could not help laughing.
+
+"But what shall we do, Reginald? it will be so dull here."
+
+"I shall die of the vapors, I think," said Reginald.
+
+"Come home with me," said Salisbury, "both of you--I am sure my father
+and mother will be very glad to see you."
+
+"I should like nothing better," replied Reginald; "provided your father
+and mother prove of the same accommodating opinion when you sound them."
+
+"Charlie asked me last week to go with him, Reginald," said Louis;
+"if you go with Salisbury, I shall go with him; but if you remain
+here, I shall stay with you."
+
+The brothers received invitations on all sides when their desolate
+condition was known, but none could be accepted without the consent
+of their parents, or in the mean time of Dr. Wilkinson, as their
+guardian. It was finally, settled, that as both Salisbury and Clifton
+lived in the neighborhood, their invitations might be accepted till
+further notice from Dashwood.
+
+The lady proved very ill, though, as it was not any infectious
+disease, the brothers probably might have been sent for, had not
+a heavy fall of snow rendered the roads near Dashwood impassable.
+
+Louis spent nearly the whole of his holidays very happily with Charles;
+becoming, during his stay with them, a great favorite with Mr. Clifton
+and his little girls, as well as their nurse. Salisbury had the benefit
+of Reginald's company for a fortnight, the rest of his time being
+bestowed upon Meredith.
+
+When the holidays were over, Hamilton returned for his last
+half-year. The reflections induced by the preceding term were
+not transient. He struggled manfully with the constitutional
+indifference of his character; and though there were many failings,
+for the habits were too deeply rooted to be suddenly overcome, yet
+the effort was not without its use, both to himself and others.
+To Louis, he was a constant and useful friend, never flagging in
+his efforts to make him more manly and independent in his conduct,
+as regarded the opinion of others; and also quietly strengthening,
+by his example and encouragement, every good feeling and impression
+he noticed. There were no tears shed, but Louis felt very low when he
+bade good-bye to Hamilton, at the close of the next half-year.
+
+"Oh, Hamilton! I owe you a great deal. What shall I do next half
+without you? Who will help me?"
+
+"Thy God, whom thou servest," said Hamilton, reverentially.
+"The thanks are not to me for the help of the last few months,
+Louis. Good-bye, my dear fellow--our friendship does not end
+here; we are friends forever."
+
+They shook hands warmly and parted.
+
+Louis continued at school for two or three years longer, and
+passed through the ordeal of school-life with credit to himself
+and his relations. I would not be thought to mean that he never
+did wrong, or was always equally steady in his Christian course;
+for the Christian's whole life is a continued fight against the
+evil of his nature. He still retained his strong desire to enter
+the ministry of the Church, and his studies and pursuits were
+principally directed to that end. It was one of his fairest
+day-dreams, to be his father's curate when old enough to be
+ordained, and though that might not be, he still felt, wherever
+he might be placed, his language would be that of the Psalmist,
+when he said--
+
+"My soul hath a desire and a longing to enter into the courts of
+the living God." "For I had rather be a door keeper in the house
+of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."
+
+
+THE END
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