-O 
 
 
 «Ni 
 
 m 
 

 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 f°
 
 P. 56. 
 
 Discussing the event3 of the Holidays.
 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY; 
 
 <>l:. 
 
 MORTIMER'S COLLEGE LIFE. 
 
 BY 
 
 E. J. MAY, 
 
 ,i ill'.u OB "LOUIS'S SCHOOL !>A\-," KT<\ 
 
 .1 p.rfo Coition, tllustratrtj bu 3olm iPilbnt. 
 
 LONDON : 
 UOUTLEDGE, WARNE, & ROUTLEDl 
 
 (ADWAY, LUDOAT] HIL1 
 ■ \\ 1'OltK: L29, G RAND in I I
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOllY. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 " Accept, 1 beseech Thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, 
 O Lord, and teacli me." — Pa cxix. 108. 
 
 " And they entered into a covenant, to seek the Lord God of 
 their fathers, with all their heart and with all their soul." — 
 2 Chron. xr. 12. 
 
 If my reader ever travelled in Norfolk, he may 
 perhaps remember, when about sixteen miles from 
 Norwich, passing through the pretty village of 
 Dashwood ; and should he have been detained in 
 front of the " Mortimer Arms" while the coach 
 conveying him changed horses, I shall be much 
 surprised if his spirit of observation did not lead 
 linn to notice the little old church on the opposite 
 side of the road, and the pretty peep of the Priory 
 grounds, which immediately adjoin the ehurch- 
 yard, and are supposed by some antiquarians to 
 have formed the garden of a monastery attached 
 to the church, as a small portion of the Priorj 
 still stands, of the Bame date and style of archi- 
 tecture with tltc church. 
 
 I, may n<>t be a matter of fad to even reader 
 of this book, that the Mortimers, whose effigies 
 nearly fill Dashwood church, have from time 
 
 7*5:
 
 2 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 immemorial been born and buried in Dashwood, 
 and generally lived a respectable part of their 
 lives in the Priory. 
 
 About twenty years ago the family mansion 
 was tenanted by the Rev. Louis Mortimer and his 
 family, and we think we may very safely assert, 
 that of all the abbots, warriors, country squires, 
 and M.P.'s, that have from time to time been 
 possessors of Dashwood and the adjacent village, 
 none has been more beloved, and deservedly so, 
 than this gentleman, who, to the position of owner 
 and landlord, added the office, in his own person, 
 of rector of the parish of Dashwood. 
 
 The rain had fallen heavily one night in July, 
 but as the morning sun broke victoriously through 
 the clouds, and scattered his broken rays in 
 gorgeous and chastened hues on every rain-drop, 
 or danced in pale golden stars on each fresh 
 glittering flower and shrub, the spiritual eye 
 saw the type of a mourner comforted ere his 
 tears are dried; his sorrow, if it be of a godly 
 sort, only making hi.ni more lovely when the sun 
 of righteousness breaks through the cloud of 
 trouble to cheer his fainting soul. 
 
 The pious spirit of the young Christian had 
 drunk in the sacred lesson with the glorious 
 morning brightness, as, roused by the clash of the 
 church-bells from a light sleep, he stood at the 
 window of his bed-room on the morning of his 
 confirmation. He was not then to begin his 
 acquaintance with a heavenly Father; it was
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 6 
 
 ■with him an open confession of the hope and 
 faith of some years of his boyhood. It was a 
 serious, but hardly an anxious, time with Louis 
 Mortimer, for he knew well what it was to believe 
 that a stronger arm than his own held him up, 
 and that it was pledged to hold him for ever. 
 He had long wished to be confirmed, and now 
 the joyful, solemn time was come, he hoped that 
 in this public and sincere voluntary acknowledg- 
 ment of his early dedication to the Almighty God, 
 new strength and new help might be given, to 
 run more patiently the race set before him. 
 
 Early as was the hour, the little village and its 
 environs appeared unusually lively that morning. 
 The bustle of the little householders all betokened 
 the advent of some important event. As the 
 morning wore on, carts and light chaises brought 
 into the village no small addition to the popula- 
 tion from the neighbouring villages. Between nine 
 and ten o'clock, several carriages of greater preten- 
 sions dashed up to the " Mortimer Arms ;" and 
 as time went on, quite a crowd was collected near 
 the park attached to the Priory, to catch sight of 
 the mitred coach as it swept through the lodge- 
 gates, and as they closed after the coach the m 
 of people moved on to the church-yard, to see tin- 
 procession enter the church. 
 
 A little after ten, a long troop of young people 
 panned in, and a minute or two after, .Mr. Mortimer 
 
 arrived with his eldest SOD Reginald, a youth of 
 seventeen, followed by Louis, and a young friend 
 
 B •!
 
 4 DASHWOOD P1UOIIY. 
 
 and schoolfellow, who had been spending his 
 holidays at the Priory, .and had joined Louis and 
 his brother in their preparations for this rite ; this 
 virtual baptism of those who are sincere in their 
 solemn profession, and which, we may confidently 
 hope, has proved the time when many a dear child 
 of God has been brought into inward covenant 
 with Him, and been enabled by God's grace to 
 choose the Lord for his God, and the ways of the 
 Lord for his portion- While ascribing all con- 
 version to the free grace of God, it is not depend- 
 ing too much on ordinances to believe that He 
 who works by means, should bless this means to 
 the souls of many of those who are, as it were, 
 arrested then seriously by the question, " How 
 long halt ye between two opinions V " Choose 
 ye this day whom ye will serve. If the Lord be 
 God follow Him;" "They who seek God early 
 shall find Him ; " and ;i sincere and heartfelt 
 dedication to Him must bring down a blessing. 
 
 There was one among the three youths to whom 
 the truths of our holy religion had been presented 
 for the first time with a personal distinctness, and 
 this was the young friend of the Mortimers, .Mere- 
 dith. He had heard little of religion at home, 
 though intended for the ministry. And though 
 at school the doctrines of our faith had been care- 
 fully instilled by a pious master, he was there but 
 one among a number; here he had felt a closeness 
 that obliged him to look into himself, to inquire 
 whether Christ Jesus were in him, — to see whether
 
 DASHWOOD PBIORY. ■> 
 
 he himself was blameless in never having appro- 
 priated to himself one warning, one promise, one 
 threat. Two thirds of the church were filled by 
 the candidates for confirmation, who were gathered 
 together as near the communion-table as possible, 
 to listen to the few words their dear pastor would 
 Bay to them before they took their places. The 
 little building had been verv tastefully decorated 
 
 O a* • 
 
 with flowers and evergreens. Mr. Mortimer ad- 
 vanced with his sons and Meredith to the tabic ; 
 and after mustering all present, and seeing that 
 all were provided with tickets, addressed them in 
 a few affectionate words, reminding them of the 
 great importance of the act they were now about 
 to perform, and of all they had been considering 
 during the late examination. He spoke of the 
 congregation which would there witness that day 
 their solemn declaration, and of the unseen cloud 
 of witnesses, urging on them the beginning of 
 that race which should be continued steadily to 
 the end, looking unto Jesus, the Author and 
 Finishes of our faith, without Whom it is impos- 
 sible to be consistently persevering. They then 
 sang together the follow ing hymn : — 
 
 " Power from on high, O Lord, impart ; 
 Power in Thy < roapel to believe ; 
 Powrr t<> surrender our whole lie-art ; 
 Power all Thy mercy to receive. 
 
 " Tin: Word to us in vain were given ; 
 We bear, we read, we learn in vain ; 
 I . i in 'I'll y Son came down from beavi □ , 
 If Thou tbe spirit'- might re 'rain.
 
 6 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Here be His sacred influence felt, 
 
 With searching, cleansing, quickening force ; 
 Till souls of millstone-hardness melt, 
 And flow like waters from their source. 
 " Convinced and humbled in the dust, 
 Beneath the burden of our guilt, 
 We own Thy law's dread sentence just, 
 But plead the blood for pardon spilt. 
 " Thy Spirit witness with that blood, 
 And Christ our Saviour glorify : 
 May we as children born of God, 
 With rapture, Abba, Father ! cry." 
 
 Mr. Mortimer led the two first verses himself, 
 but became so much affected that he was obliged 
 to sign to his curate to fjnish it, and stood looking 
 at his dear young people with a heart overflowing 
 with tender anxiety and affectionate interest. 
 
 The young people were all arranged in order in 
 the pews nearest the communion-table when the 
 spectators entered the church; and a short time 
 after, an increased murmur from the throng outside 
 told the arrival of the bishop. The clergymen went 
 out to receive his lordship, and marshalled him up 
 the centre aisle. As the procession moved on, the 
 organ sent forth a solemn, quiet strain of music ; 
 and when that ceased, one of the clergymen 
 present read the sweet service of our own dear 
 church. At length the bishop ascended the 
 pulpit; and after a short address, he asked that 
 solemn question which begins the Confirmation 
 Service, " Do ye here, in the presence of God, and 
 of this congregation, renew the solemn promise 
 and vow that was made in your name at your
 
 DAS II WOOD PRIORY. 7 
 
 baptism, ratifying and confirming the same in 
 your own persons, and acknowledging yourselves 
 bound to believe and to do all those things which 
 your godfathers and godmothers then undertook 
 for you?" 
 
 There was a slight pause when his voice ceased, 
 and then arose an irregular sound of the answer, 
 " I do." A second time the question Avas put, 
 that they who had been too timid to raise their 
 voices the first time might have an opportunity 
 of doing so; and this time it seemed like one 
 voice ; and what did that one accord say ? " I do 
 renounce the devil and all his works; — I do re- 
 nounce the pomps and vanities of this world, and 
 all the sinful lusts of the flesh ; — / do steadfastlv 
 believe all the articles of the Christian faith; — 
 / do intend, by God's gracious help, to keep his 
 liolv will and commandments, and to walk in the 
 same all the days of my life." 
 
 Then passed the whitc-robed girls and the long 
 line of boys ; and it was a lovely sight to watch 
 the simple ceremony in its important meaning, 
 and sad to see some careless faces, and to feci that 
 though the same prayers had been offered, and 
 the same exhortation been made in their hearing, 
 the same hands had been laid on their heads, 
 they had no part nor lot in the matter; for the 
 heart was not right in the sight of God. 
 
 To the Priory party il \.;:-, hnwrwr, DO light 
 
 time. When the bishop had pronounced the last 
 blessing, and their own short petitions had been
 
 8 DASI1W00I) PltlOHY. 
 
 offered, they reverentially left the church, and 
 joined their friends at the park gate. You might 
 easily guess how each young person had been 
 impressed, by observing his or her demeanour on 
 leaving the house of God. Some almost rushed 
 out of the pews, ran to their friends, talking 
 before they were out of the church doors, and 
 then laughing and quizzing those ai-ound, as if 
 thev had come from a merry-making : others 
 rather less giddy stood still, more anxious to 
 watch the exit of the bishop than to think on 
 what had taken place ; and some there were who 
 quietly went home, and endeavoured to reap a 
 blessing from the consideration of the vows they 
 had just publicly taken on them. 
 
 The bishop was going to dine at the Priory, 
 and arrived a few minutes after the rest of the 
 party. 
 
 Meredith ran up to his room as he entered the 
 house, and Louis not caring to remain in the 
 drawing-room, where his father and mother were 
 entertaining the bishop, left the house and saun- 
 tered along the park until he reached a favourite 
 spot, which had been his musing place from earlv 
 childhood. A pretty garden chair had lately been 
 placed here, in lieu of the two stones he and Regi- 
 nald had formerly dragged under the weeping 
 willow; and so completely was this nook, which 
 went by the name of " Louis' Willow," associated 
 with him, that it was almost as sacred to his use 
 as his own four-walled room in-doors.
 
 DASHW00D PEIORY. 'J 
 
 This place seemed the fittest he could choose 
 when he desired, as on this day, to look back on 
 his young life, and trace the way his God hud led 
 him ; all the goodness that had guided his totter- 
 ing steps in infancy, and made all things work 
 together for his good. lie remembered lying 
 here dreamily listening to the bells, and wonder- 
 ing in which part of him his soul was. How often 
 had he enticed his kind mother here to tell him a 
 storv or sin<r a hvmn ; and insensibly his mind 
 wandered on to the dismal time when he was left 
 alone with Mr. Phillips at the rectory, while his 
 father and mother were abroad, and Reginald at 
 school; how he had stolen away here to cry and 
 write Latin verses with sad pain and grief; still 
 further his thoughts ran on, to his desire of being 
 at school, and his hard school-boy trials, and he 
 would thank God, whose love had blessed all to 
 him ; had made his weak character strong to 
 glorify Him; and the very consequences of his 
 frequent failings the means of curing much of his 
 unmanly feebleness. Then came the immediate 
 remembrance of the vows professed that day ; and 
 he thought happily of the privilege; of being a 
 partaker of the Lord's Supper, and was beginning 
 to look again at some passages of a well-read letter 
 
 he drew our of his jacket-pocket, \\ hen Reginald's 
 
 hands were suddenly placed on his shoulders, and 
 
 he was abruptly asked to come and walk. 
 •• Arc you dreaming over Hamilton '.'" be added, 
 
 as lie picked Up the letter which Louis had let fall.
 
 10 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " I was thinking of him, most certainly. I 
 have some reason to think of him. What a friend 
 he was to me ! How thankful I am he stayed so 
 long ! " 
 
 " Still, you did very well without him this last 
 year/' said Reginald. 
 
 "It was certainly time I should do without 
 him," replied Louis, thoughtfully. "Oh, Reginald ! 
 how full my life is of mercies ! everywhere I look 
 I see them ; and I want to see them ; that I can 
 is one of them." 
 
 " It is," replied Reginald gravely, " only ex- 
 cuse me, Louis, lest I think you underrate your- 
 self in thinking other people such boons to 
 you." 
 
 " Never mind," said Louis smiling, " I know 
 what a poor weak fellow I am. You feel strong, 
 and so we differ. Hamilton taught me to despise 
 weakness in myself, and to stand alone, more than 
 any one, and he never laughed at religion ; there- 
 fore I will thank God for him." 
 
 "You certainly owed something to him when 
 you first came to school, — at least in some things," 
 rejoined Reginald ; " but Hamilton himself would 
 not have borne three weeks' punishment for Fer- 
 rers, as vou did." 
 
 Louis coloured, and changed the subject by 
 putting his friend's letter into his brother's hand, 
 and begging him to read it. 
 
 It was a long one, and took Reginald some time 
 to read ; and, drawing his brother's arm in his
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 11 
 
 own, he perused it as they strolled through the 
 park. 
 
 " A very nice letter, Louis," he said, as he gave 
 it hack ; " very much to the point, as Hamilton's 
 letters always are ; and very anxious about your 
 confirmation, apparently. He is a good fellow. 
 I am glad the bishop is here, for Meredith. I 
 have been afraid he would be dull. I can't go 
 and talk nonsense with him to-dav : — not that he 
 always talks nonsense either ; but you know to- 
 day that I want to try to feel a little better, — or, 
 as lather would say, not wilfully hinder the good 
 that may come to me. Oh, Louis ! this does not 
 look much as if my father had been here." 
 
 The village seemed in a state of excitement, and 
 wore the appearance of a holiday, as many of the 
 inhabitants of the neighbouring villages had come 
 to the congregation, and remained to rest with 
 friends or acquaintances till it was time to return. 
 Several young persons in their Sunday dress, the 
 girls in their new confirmation caps, stood in the 
 cottage gardens, as the brothers passed, while 
 others they met in twos or threes walking up and 
 down the road. Louis hastily drew his brother 
 back into the park, that they might not seem to 
 countenance the giddy conduct of many before 
 them. 
 
 " ! think it will be better not to walk out of 
 the grounds, Reginald; it will perhaps give a 
 handle to those people to say thai we sel them a 
 bad example."
 
 12 DASHWOOD PIUORY. 
 
 "But wc know that wc do not/' said Reginald, 
 scornfully, as a party, consisting of a boy and two 
 girls, came by, laughing and screaming in a very 
 unbecoming manner. " I am really astonished, 
 after all my father's efforts, Louis." 
 
 u Because you forget he is a man, Reginald ; 
 and, then, those persons are not Dashwood 
 people." 
 
 "But I want to know why we are to be con- 
 demned to keep within the park-railings, when 
 our consciences are clear of anything but the 
 intention of taking an innocent walk ? " 
 
 11 Are wc not commanded to avoid all appear- 
 ance of evil V said Louis. " Half the people that 
 meet us cannot draw any distinction between our 
 quiet walk and that of the two who have just 
 passed ; here our influence is worth something, 
 you know; and I need not tell you how our 
 example may strengthen papa's hands." 
 
 " You arc a veritable Solomon, Louis. I won- 
 der sometimes where you get your wisdom ; now 
 don't look grave. I did come to have a little 
 serious conversation. Somehow you arc really 
 the only person I can talk with. You will hardly 
 believe how my mind wanders. I can't keep it 
 steady even for a few minutes on what I ought, 
 and wish to be thinking of; everything else comes 
 in turn, and the worst is that I do not really feel 
 anxious about it." 
 
 " God Himself must teach us of Himself," said
 
 DASHWOOD PBIORT. 13 
 
 Louis, seriously ; " aud then there is no trouble in 
 collecting our thoughts. " 
 
 "But, must I not try?" 
 
 "Yes; but above all, pray that God will draw 
 you, that you mav run after Him." 
 
 * * * * 
 
 " You cannot think how weakly I pray ; I can- 
 not think mv prayers of anv use when thev are 
 mixed up with such hosts of nonsense." 
 
 "Ay, but the incense of Christ's name makes 
 the simplest wish mighty," replied Louis. " A \ e 
 Want to look more out of ourselves. Out of self 
 into Christ. To take even our vain thoughts, and 
 use them as a plea for obtaining help. What can 
 we do to help ourselves? I often think of that 
 passage on which Krummacher speaks so beauti- 
 fully — our Saviour's question to the disciples on 
 their way to Emmaus, What thi/ic/s? Did He not 
 know what things? — better far than they them- 
 selves, and therefore He led them to unburden 
 their minds, though lie knew beforehand what 
 they needed, as it were, to encourage us to tell 
 all our wants to Jesus. The very telling is a 
 comfort, Reginald. Take with you words, they 
 inav he feeble, but if thev come from the heart, 
 in Christ's name, they will be acceptable. The Lord 
 says, / will be inquired of by this people Draw 
 nigh to dud, mul He will draw nigh to you" 
 
 "Oh Louis!" righed Reginald, " what a happy 
 
 at nre you are ! GrO On, BSJ BOmething to me." 
 
 Louis repeated Cowper's hymn, " What various
 
 14 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 hindrances/' and then " Rock of ages/' and after- 
 wards the eighth of Romans; they then became 
 quite silent. It has often been remarked that 
 members of the same family feel great reserve in 
 speaking on religious subjects to one another, and 
 in a measure this was the case with the two 
 brothers, though more with Reginald than Louis, 
 and had they not been accustomed to constant 
 interchange of thought from their childhood, it 
 would have been greater. For half an hour they 
 walked along in silence, we will trust profitable 
 silence, till roused by the loud ringing of the 
 dressing bell, they separated to dress for dinner. 
 The bishop was an amiable, pious man, and 
 assisted by the chastened tone of his conversation 
 the impressions of the day. After dinner he left 
 the Priory, and the evening was spent in singing- 
 sacred music, till at an eai'lv hour the familv re- 
 tired to rest.
 
 P'lSinvOOD PRIOUY. 15 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 " Give glory to the Lord your God, before He cause darkness, 
 and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and 
 while ye look for light, He turn it into the shadow of death, 
 and make it gross darkness. Thus saith the Lord, Let not the 
 wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory 
 in his might ; let not the rich man glory in hi3 riches : but let 
 him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and 
 knoweth Me." — Jeremiah xiii. lo" ; i.x. 23, 24. 
 
 It was a summer evening, a bright, fair, peaceful 
 evening, just after the confirmation, when a soli- 
 tary horseman might have been seen some two or 
 three miles from Dashwood, on the Norwich road. 
 He was well mounted, and rode with that careless, 
 indifferent air of confidence, that displayed his 
 familiarity witli the exercise, — if exercise it could 
 be called, — that elicited so little exertion. The 
 reins were lying on the horse's neck, and the 
 •nimal moved lazily along apparently where it 
 listed, but, in reality, skilfully, though somewhat 
 mechanically, guided by the practised hand of his 
 master through the tortuous way that led to Hash- 
 wood. The rider was a young man of B Blight 
 but perfectly well-built and gentlemanly figure, of 
 the middle size. There was something undeniably 
 aristocratic in the Lofty carriage of bis head, and 
 
 his easy air of indifference, lie was not strictly
 
 16 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 handsome ; and yet, when you caught a full glimpse 
 of his liquid grey eye, you thought him beautiful, 
 — whether fired with the enthusiasm of his own 
 thoughts, or gazing more frequently in thoughtful 
 vacancy into the distant space. His face was 
 rather sunk and thin about the cheek-bones ; but 
 its brilliant colour, and. the animation of its ex- 
 pression, contradicted the idea of ill-health, while, 
 as he now and then lifted his hat from his head, 
 as a relief from its Avarmth and weight, in his 
 expansive forehead, and the dark silky hair usually 
 attributed to a nervous temperament, the image 
 of a loftv intellect rose before vou. 
 
 So he rode on, seemingly indifferent to all 
 around him, yet alive to all, — apparently buried 
 in his own meditations, yet storing in his mind 
 future food for them, when, turning one of the 
 many windings of the long lane, he came suddenly 
 upon a party of cottagers, consisting of a young 
 woman, who was carrying a baby, and two older 
 children, — one a girl of about eight years old, and 
 the other a boy of about half that age. This last, 
 — a great sturdy fellow, — was sitting in the middle 
 of the road, crying passionately, so directly in the 
 rider's path, that he with difficulty checked the 
 horse in time to prevent it from walking over the 
 child. 
 
 " Hallo ! my good woman," he exclaimed, " you 
 should take better care of your offspring. What's 
 the matter with the youngster?" 
 
 The woman curtsied, apologized, thanked, and
 
 ,'■ 
 
 *> D 
 
 i> «< 
 
 
 
 Qon Digb (
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 17 
 
 finally explained to him that the rebellious young 
 gentleman had been spending the day with her in 
 
 the next village, about three miles distant, and 
 now declared he was too tired to proceed. 
 
 • Arc not you a pretty young fellow?" ex- 
 claimed the gentleman. " (Jet up this instant, 
 and go on." 
 
 " I ti — ed ! " roared the child, without moving. 
 
 " You naughty child ! " exclaimed his mother, 
 taking his arm, and shaking him. " Get up ; 
 don't vou see vou'll be run over. Oh, sir, he's a 
 trying boy; and it's church night, too, sir," she 
 continued, in a despairing tone, " and I'll never 
 get there in time. Get up, David, or I'll tell your 
 father." 
 
 " Get up, sir, this instant ! " cried the stranger, 
 sternly. And the startled child rose, and, with 
 his finger in his mouth, moved a few steps, only 
 to renew his crv of, " I ti — ed ! " 
 
 " Can you help him here?" said the gentleman, 
 alter a moment's pause. " There — so; now, if 
 \ou crv, I'll throw vou over the hedge: do vou 
 hear that ?" 
 
 Half frightened^ and half pleased, the child Bat 
 passively before his new friend ; and, amid thanks 
 from the mother, they all proceeded down the 
 
 lane, — the horse first, and the relations of the 
 Crying child behind. As the lane widened, the 
 young mail slackened his pace, to accoininoda: e 
 
 his humble companions.
 
 18 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Where am I to put this young man down ? '• 
 he asked. 
 
 " We are going to Daslrwood, sir. May be you 
 are not going on so far, sir ? " 
 
 " To precisely the same place, my good woman : 
 so we shall be compagnons tie voyage, I presume, 
 as far as the limits of your own." 
 
 The woman looked very closely at him as he 
 spoke, and, perfectly conscious of the scrutury he 
 underwent, a slight smile curled the corners of 
 his mouth. 
 
 " You said it was church night ? " he remarked. 
 " What may ' church night ' be ? " 
 
 " The night as we goes to church," replied the 
 little girl. 
 
 " And is that always Wednesday ? " 
 
 The mother answered in the affirmative. 
 
 " That's rather irregular, isn't it ? " said he ; 
 " most people go on Sundays." 
 
 " Ay, sure, sir," said the woman, quietly ; 
 " and most on 'em goes on Wednesdays too ; 
 only this here naughty boy has hindered me to- 
 night." 
 
 " Then you put Wednesday into the bargain ? 
 You are pious, good sort of people hereabouts, 
 I suppose ? " 
 
 " Bad's the best of us, sir," said the woman, in 
 rather a puzzled manner. 
 
 " Then, I am sure, the best must be my friend 
 David here," added the young man.
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 19 
 
 " Oh, law, sir ! he's a naughty boy," said the 
 woman. 
 
 " Very ! Who preaches at the church ? " 
 
 " Mr. Mortimer to-night, sir. And I'm afraid 
 I'm late, sir." 
 
 " Well, that depends upon what you call late ; 
 and it is a matter on which I can hardly dccii! •. 
 It's now exactly one quarter of an hour to seven, 
 which, considering all things, I am disposed to 
 call rather good time." 
 
 " Quarter to seven ! " repeated the woman, 
 despondingly ; " It 's begun a epiarter of an 
 hour." 
 
 " Well, we are not very far from the church 
 now," said the gentleman. ft Is David to be taken 
 there ? " 
 
 " Oh no, sir, thank you, I must put him to 
 bed, and my girl will take care of the baby." 
 
 " I am afraid you stand a good chance of hear- 
 ing the fog end of the sermon," replied her com- 
 panion, as he drew in the reins of his steed, and 
 good-naturedly lifted the boy down to his sister, 
 who had run on before, and now stood at a cottage 
 to receive him. " Good-by, David; mind I hear 
 a better account of you when I come this way 
 again." 
 
 " And I'm sure I'm much obbged to you, sir," 
 said the woman, with a profusion of cnrtflifit. 
 
 ■■ \nd I'm sore you're very welcome," he 
 replied, raising his ha1 in acknowledgment of hei 
 deep reverence.
 
 20 DASHWOOD PHIORY. 
 
 " Well, sure 1 " she said, as she stood watching 
 him canter down the road. " He's a real gentle- 
 man. I'd fancy I know'd his face. I wonder if 
 he be going to the Priory, Betsey ? " 
 
 As Betsey could not answer, the wondering 
 cottager turned into the house, and finding David 
 and the baby both more troublesome than she 
 anticipated, was obliged reluctantly to give up 
 her intention of going to church that night. 
 
 Meantime our hero, as if well acquainted with 
 the way, cantered along the shady road till lie 
 reached a lane that led to the church. One side 
 of this lane was bounded by a wooden paling, 
 which divided it from the park, and over this the 
 thorough-bred mare was easily persuaded by her 
 master to leap, and then carried him quietly 
 across the park to the house. 
 
 " I suppose every one is at church," said the 
 gentleman to himself. " But at least there will 
 be some one to take care of the premises, I pre- 
 sume, even in Utopia." 
 
 The noise of the horse's feet on the gravel path 
 in the front of the house soon brought an answer, 
 in the guise of a man-servant at the hall door. 
 
 " Are the family all at church ? " 
 
 "Yes, sir; they'll be home at eight. Will you 
 walk in, sir, and rest till church is out ? " 
 
 By this time the stranger had dismounted, and 
 stood looking at the white-haired domestic with a 
 laughing countenance. " So I am grown out of 
 all recollection, eh, Jones V*
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. '- 1 
 
 • Indeed, sir, I do not recollect you," replied 
 the man respectfully. 
 
 " Well, I recollect 1/011, however, and many's the 
 time I have riven you some reason to remember 
 1 lie, year.- ago; years niter us young folks more 
 than you older ones. Mr. Reginald has not 
 returned to school ye1 '■" 
 
 •• Me does not go back, sir, I believe. Mr. 
 Reginald has left Dr. Wilkinson's, and Mr. Louis 
 is to go for another year, I hear say. They're all 
 at the church, sir ; and there's a young gentleman 
 staying on a visit, from Dr. Wilkinson's, sir, a nice, 
 free-spoken, merry young gentleman, rather fond 
 of mischief or so. Bui that's young blood; all 
 young folks ia alike, sir; Mr. Reginald's fond of 
 fun, sir; now Mr. Louis and Master Neville are 
 quite of another sort, and — " 
 
 "And are quite patterns of morality, and all 
 that sort of thing." interrupted the stranger; 
 "and, 1 -hi 1 ose, grown young giants in length ?" 
 ■ Mr. Louis is very tall, sir, and so like master, 
 the very image of him, and likely to be just such 
 another." 
 
 •' WCII. will von sec that my horse is taken eare 
 
 of; my Luggage will he here by the coach, and I 
 will go to the church for the present." 
 
 "Might 1 make hold to ask your name, sir?' 1 
 
 "Vernon Digby," replied the young man, 
 
 turning mischievously oil' as he spoke, with a 
 
 speed that effectually stopped all demonstrations 
 
 of the astonishment and welcome visible on the
 
 22 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 face of the old man, who, after advancing a few 
 steps from the door in pursuit of him, satisfied 
 himself with a long-drawn sigh, and a " Well, to 
 be sure \" 
 
 The hushed beauty of the home scenery around 
 was suited to the young man's feelings at this 
 time, just returned from the excitement and 
 activity of Cambridge, where his rising name, for 
 the last year or two, had been the envy and admi- 
 ration of every ambitious mind, and the pride of 
 his tutors and college. There was in him a rare 
 combination, the wise said, of genius and industry, 
 and the results in human eye would be splendid. 
 To what might they not look forward from such 
 an intellect ? There was nothing in which he did 
 not excel. What cost others such labour to 
 attain, a short period of industry for him, and it 
 seemed beneath his feet, and another hill pre- 
 sented itself, to be mounted as easily : yet though 
 his rising fame had spread so widely in Cambridge, 
 he was not quite what is understood by a "read- 
 ing man," nor had his success been acquired by 
 systematic cramming. No one more keenly 
 enjoyed the healthy recreations of the University, 
 though want of physical strength prevented his 
 attaining to much excellence in them, and a wine 
 or supper party was considered a double treat if 
 he formed one of the number. Yet he was proud 
 and ambitious, conscious of superiority though 
 disdaining all exhibition of it. " I do know more 
 than some," he once answered a friend ; " I know
 
 DA.SnV.'OOD PRIOKY. 23 
 
 that I know nothing. How raucli more there is 
 to learn. "What folly to speak of learned men ! 
 we're all in our cradles vet, man." 
 
 13ut the hurry and bustle of Cambridge was 
 OYer for the present, and the undergraduate drew 
 a long breath after a rapid retrospect of the last 
 few months, and stood still to drink in the utter 
 tranquillity. His being seemed to bathe itself in 
 the long golden streams of light on the turf, 
 and the hush almost gave him a sense of giddi- 
 ness. For some moments not a sound of am' kind 
 
 w 
 
 reached his ears, and when at length it came it 
 was but the low of a cow and the slight rustle 
 of the leaves above him, increasing to a rushing 
 sound as they bent to the passing breeze. 
 
 "And, after all, what is it worth?" he ex- 
 claimed, with a long-drawn sigh. "1 am not 
 satisfied, I want more: a human being never can 
 be satisfied in this existence/' he thought; "he is 
 meant to progress. I feci my existence is to 
 mount; a world lies before you, Vernon, up!" 
 and then a quiet smile and the old thoughtful 
 vacancy stole over his features, and he strolled on, 
 almost unconscious! v, till he reached the little 
 
 gate which opened into the churchyard. 
 
 As he laid his hand on the latch a burst of 
 
 choral melody came from the open doors and 
 windows of the church, accompanied by the 
 
 illing sound of a small organ. Vernon was 
 not unmoved; the sound was in unison with the 
 calm beauty without. He I n al to
 
 24 DASHWOOD PRIOBY. 
 
 listen, and when the first verse was concluded, he 
 traversed the intervening space and entered the 
 little building. 
 
 Ordinarily, when Vernon Digby entered a 
 church his first care was to satisfy himself as to 
 its architectural properties, but a different feeling 
 somehow stole over him as he stepped into this 
 well-filled place of worship — a feeling of rever- 
 ence and solemnity. Uncovering his head, he 
 stood a minute or two near the door, till the pew- 
 opener beckoned him to the door of a pew near. 
 Vernon declined the proffered attention with an 
 inclination of the head, and seated himself on a 
 stone bench, from whence he could see both the 
 pulpit and organ-loft. In the latter he had dis- 
 covered two of his cousins, Neville and his great 
 friend and onlv sister Mary, and into the former 
 Mr. Mortimer just entered. 
 
 At first, in spite of the earnest prayer with 
 which Mr. Mortimer prefaced his discourse, Ver- 
 non was much more intent upon watching the 
 movements of the white frock above him than on 
 the sermon ; but by degrees the tone of his uncleV 
 voice attracted him, and before long his attention 
 was completely absorbed by the full free Gospel 
 declared. It was addressed to the newly con- 
 firmed, on the text, " My son, give me thine 
 heart." And though Vernon considered his uncle 
 rather extravagant in his notions, there was some- 
 thing so real, so joyous, so elevating, that he felt 
 almost persuaded to be a Christian ! Oh ! how
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 25 
 
 vainly does man try to find a substitute for this 
 happiness. What a shadow is all else ! And 
 Vernon felt it in liis heart ; and vet he forced 
 down all his convictions for the sake of the vain 
 shadows at which ho grasped. The sounds of the 
 preacher's voice had died away; the little organisl 
 led the choir in their parting liynm ; but \ criion 
 sat still, — his arms folded, and his eyes fixed 
 vacantly on an old tomb before him, till the 
 proffer of a hymn-book from a neighbour roused 
 him ; and, shaking off his absorbtion with a sup- 
 pressed sigh; lie stood up, and gazed round the 
 church till the Psalm was finished. In a few 
 minutes the congregation had left the church, 
 and shortly after came the Priory party. -Mr. 
 Mortimer was first with .Mary and Neville; the 
 governess with Freddy, the youngest boy, fol- 
 lowed; then came .Mrs. Mortimer, leaning on the 
 arm of a sweet-looking delicate youth, in whom 
 \ ernon easily recognized his cousin Louis, though 
 two years had raised him to a height that almost 
 equalled hi- brother's magnificent proportions; at 
 the same time he was so thin, that his clothes 
 hung on him as if they did not belong to him. 
 None of the party noticed Vernon, who remained 
 stationary till the lasl couple, consisting of his 
 cousin Reginald and .Meredith, were pa>siir_; bin:, 
 
 when In 1 started up. Reginald moved back :■. step. 
 " How, Vernon \" 
 " How, Reginald I So you intended to cul me. 
 
 too.''
 
 2G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " How did you come here?" 
 
 " What an affectionate welcome ! " said Vernon. 
 
 " But, really, you know we never expected to 
 see you here just yet," replied Reginald, shaking 
 his hand vehemently. 
 
 " Better and better," ejaculated Vernon. 
 
 " But how came you at church ? Have you 
 been to the house?" 
 
 " To be sure ; and quite frightened poor Jones, 
 with my intimate recollections of him. The rea- 
 son why I came here is because you were here. 
 Why, what a stalwart fellow you are grown : you 
 throw poor little me quite into the shade." 
 
 " Poor little you, indeed ! " exclaimed Reginald, 
 as he stooped to latch the gate through which they 
 had passed ; " Mens magna in corpore parvo, a 
 multum in parvo, Vernon. If ever I feel myself 
 great, it will be when walking by the side of 
 my great cousin." 
 
 " Great fudge ! " replied Vernon. " How d'ye 
 do, Meredith ? I beg pardon ; but you are grown 
 enough to excuse a little remissness on my part 
 in remembering an old school-fellow." 
 
 " We are all growing old," said Meredith ; " but 
 if we make as good a use of our years as I hear 
 you do of yours, we shall have no reason to regret 
 them." 
 
 " You will have to tell me all about everything," 
 said Reginald ; " because I am coming to Cam- 
 bridge next October, having paid my adieu to 
 our beautiful school, I am happy to say."
 
 DASH WOOD PRIOR Y. 27 
 
 " Frank leaves the doctor's, and comes up, also, 
 to his great joy; but I think you may both wish 
 to be at school again, some day," said Vernon. 
 
 " That's what all the wise folks say," said 
 Meredith. " But did you ever experience it, 
 
 Digby?" 
 
 u Well, I don't know that I ever did. Some- 
 times I think of the old times, and like their 
 memory much. Depend upon it, we arc all hap- 
 pier at school than we are aware of." 
 
 " Hear, hear ! " cried Reginald. " It is an 
 established axiom, that we never know the value 
 of our blessings till we lose them ; but I must 
 own, the value of school life ought to be doubly 
 appreciated, when an embryo wrangler conde- 
 scends to regret it. But there is mamma won- 
 dering who we have got. Hurry, hurry, hurry, 
 hurry on ! " 
 
 The van of the party were waiting at the hall- 
 door, having been already informed by the butler 
 of Vernon's arrival. As he ncared the threshold, 
 both uncle and aunt advanced to meet him, Mary 
 and Neville having arrested him a few seconds 
 before with hearty welcomes. And now he 
 led into the drawing-room, and installed on a 
 sofa between his aunt and Reginald, t<> hear Qi 
 ami to answer innumerable questions, while Mary 
 
 and her favourite brother made and handed round 
 
 the tea. Then followed that pit asant time between 
 
 light and dark; and long the happy party sat. 
 
 never tired of hearing scraps of college stoi
 
 28 DASHWO0D PRIORY. 
 
 till Vernon challenged his eldest cousin to a race; 
 and leaping out of the window at the moment, 
 both were soon out of sight among the dark trees. 
 In another ten minutes thev returned, — Reginald 
 first, and Vernon more slowly after him, pleading 
 his journey in excuse for his want of strength. 
 The candles were just brought in as they entered, 
 and presently the servants were summoned for 
 prayers. How peaceful and hallowed that little 
 service seemed. Vernon did not ioin in the hvmn 
 which all sang; but perhaps his heart was too 
 full. The lesson was the ninth of Jeremiah, and 
 the prayer asked for the unfading treasures of the 
 world to come, that all talent given might be 
 used to the glory of the Great Giver. 
 
 They separated for the night, and Vernon was 
 shown by his cousin to his room, with a kind hope 
 that he would sleep well, and soon recover from 
 his fatigues. But it was long before he lav down 
 that night. He sat without a candle, looking on 
 the dark star-spangled sky, or the indefinite maze 
 of dark trees and shrubs, till a grey tint in the 
 east warned him of approaching day, when he 
 sought his bed, and slept soundly till long past 
 the breakfast hour. 
 
 The few days following Vernon's arrival were 
 spent in rambles around Dashwood, and visits to 
 old haunts, and little family pic-nics, in all of 
 which Vernon joined with a zest that would have 
 astonished some of his college friends, who per- 
 haps might hardly understand the simplicity and
 
 DASHWOOD 1'KIOKY. '2D 
 
 freshness of feeling almost inseparable from true 
 greatness of mind. Louis was soon to return to 
 school alone ; and the day before he went they 
 had planned a ramble to a beautiful wood about 
 five iiulcs distant ; and Vernon hearing that some 
 irood fishing was to be had about a mile further, 
 proposed they should take their lunch and fish- 
 ing-tackle, and make a morning of it. Louis was 
 at first rather averse to -pending so large a por- 
 tion of his last day from home ; but his objections 
 being overruled, the rods, bait, and sandwiches 
 were packed up, and directly after breakfast the 
 five young gentlemen sallied forth. They had a 
 merry walk to the wood, and, after a proper 
 survey ofits beauties, rested a little in the shade 
 and then proceeded to the mill-stream, which pro- 
 fessed to supply such good fish. 
 
 Louis never had been able to overcome his sen- 
 sibility on the subject of baiting the hook, his love 
 for the worm going beyond that of the old angler; 
 and Neville was content to look on and count the 
 successful captures of the three anglers. Vernon 
 -»as by far the mosl expert, though he seemed so 
 careless, and often laughed so merrily, thai Regi- 
 nald scolded him for disturbing their sports. 
 
 " Well, then, I'll leave vim to solitude, and go 
 0V1 r yonder." 
 
 •Whither'.'" asked Meredith. "There's no- 
 thing there but a wall and Water. ' 
 
 •■ Nothing ': '" Baid Vernon. " Do you sec no- 
 thing?"
 
 30 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 "Nothing, certainly/' said Louis, "that you 
 can stand on." 
 
 " But I see something very substantial in the 
 sitting way, and a capital pool, with lots of fish." 
 
 " Why, you don't mean to try to sit upon that 
 spout?" said Reginald, laughing. 
 
 " Just the very thing," replied Vernon. 
 
 " Do you want a cold bath?" said Neville. 
 
 "Well, I've no objection. 'I'm agribble to 
 anything,' as the man said; I am rather warm." 
 
 " But how are you to get there ?" asked Louis. 
 
 " Where there's a will, there's a way," replied 
 Vernon, rather doubtfully. " Eureka ! Eureka ! 
 Eureka ! " he exclaimed, after a few moment's 
 cogitation. 
 
 As he spoke, he caught hold of the bough of an 
 ash that extended over the stream, and having 
 previously fastened his fishing tackle about him, 
 seized his rod and threw himself on the bough, 
 swinging it up and down ; till taking the spring at 
 the right moment, he leaped over the stream, and 
 alighted on a narrow ledge of brickwork on the 
 other side. The mill wall ran close up to a con- 
 siderable height, and there was no other resting- 
 place for some yards further. It was Avith breath- 
 less interest, and not eutirely without apprehen- 
 sion, that Reginald watched his cousin's descent 
 on the very slight stepping stone. He laid his 
 hand on the bar of a grated window near, and 
 then feeling safe, with a little exulting laugh raised 
 himself carefully to the spout, which had excited
 
 dashwood r-iuouv. 31 
 
 so much longing, and balancing himself com- 
 fortably astride on it, sat perched over the stream, 
 at a height of some ten feet, in all the glory of a 
 deep pool below. 
 
 " Now, how do you mean to get back ?" shouted 
 Reginald. " You are very clever to get there." 
 
 "I shan't trouble myself to come back till I 
 am tired," said Vernon, coolly baiting his hook. 
 " I shall have such sport ; and now I won't talk." 
 Vernon felt there was some reason not to talk, 
 for the truth was his prized seat was betraying 
 him, being half covered with moss and very 
 slippery. It had been all very well as long as he 
 sat epiite still on the small horizontal portion, 
 which jutted from the interior of the mill, but a 
 little motion in throwing his line had displaced 
 him, and in vain he put his hand behind him, 
 and tried not to look foolish, or to acknowledge 
 his precarious situation. Reginald was hooking 
 a fine roach, when a laugh and loud halloo drew 
 his attention; "Here goes a large bait! The 
 iish'll get me! Ahoy there, Reginald!" and he 
 looked up in time to see his cousin's rod first fall, 
 and then the owner slip swiftly oil' the treacherous 
 spout alter it, with both hands behind him, in a 
 
 vain attempt to stay liis descent. Flump ! splash ! 
 It was almost too deep for a laugh, but the mill 
 was not working, Reginald shouted for help, 
 
 and was throwing <>tl' his coat to plunge in to 
 
 Vernon's assistance, when the missing one who 
 had disappeared from the height of the foil, now
 
 32 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 rose above the water, and striking out, reached the 
 land near his companions, and climbed up the 
 bank before they had well understood the matter. 
 "When he was safely landed, he first shook himself 
 after the fashion of a Newfoundland dog, and then 
 indulged in a hearty fit of laughter, in which his 
 friends now joined. 
 
 " You see vou need not have troubled yourself 
 about my return, I am back again as quick as 
 thought." 
 
 "And now," exclaimed Reginald, "you spoil- 
 sport, you thorough-bred, noisy, unsportmanlike 
 bather. I suppose we must pack up and return 
 home for your benefit." 
 
 m 
 
 " Sit down and go on fishing," replied Vernon. 
 " I'll walk about in the sun, and then I shall be 
 as dry as a bone." 
 
 " I dare say," said Meredith. " But we are 
 not so wrapped up in our sport as to kill you for 
 love of it." 
 
 " I am not so easily killed," answered Vernon. 
 " I won't go home." 
 
 "Indeed you shall," exclaimed Reginald. 
 
 " Now, you know I may be led, Mr. Reginald, 
 but never driven," said Vernon. " If you behave 
 like good men, and pursue your sport with due 
 decorum, I'll walk to the mill and get dry. They 
 will lend me a fustian suit ' for a consideration,' 
 and then I will come to vou." 
 
 " Well, if you will promise that — " 
 
 " I'll go with you, Vernon," .said Neville.
 
 dasiiwood piuory. 33 
 
 " How are you to get across?-" asked Vernon. 
 
 " Oil ! there's a bridge round that corner/' re- 
 plied Neville; " I will show it to you." 
 
 " I am not fond of long ways," said Vernon, 
 f* and as I am wet, I don't mind braving the wave 
 once more, especially as my hat is swimming so 
 conveniently for catching, on the water opposite." 
 
 He threw off his coat as he spoke, and begging 
 Neville to drag it round for him, leaped as far as 
 he could into the stream, and directed his course 
 primarily to his hat, and finally to the landing- 
 place, which was a few yards distant from his old 
 station. 
 
 " How active he is," remarked Meredith, ad- 
 miringly, as he watched him climb the bank. He 
 gave them a farewell " Hurrah," and walked 
 rapidly away. 
 
 "He's a giddy fellow," said Reginald: "I 
 never knew any one laugh as much as he does 
 when he gets in these humours; no one would 
 fancy lie could be grave. Frank docs not laugh 
 so much as Vernon, though he makes others laugh 
 more." 
 
 "It is a good thing for his brain that he can 
 relax so much," said .Meredith. "But linsh ! 
 here's a line fellow." The two friends sat silently 
 
 pursuing their sport, while Louis mused or read 
 
 under a shady beech, whither he had imported a 
 
 low camp-stool. Half an hour elapsed, when 
 
 Neville came running up breathless and furiously 
 
 heated. 
 
 D
 
 34 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 "I can't make out where Vernon is. Which 
 way did he turn ? I have been to the house and 
 inquired for him ; his coat is dry now, but no one 
 knows anything of him. I have been running 
 and calling in every direction nearly all this time. 
 What can have become of him ?" 
 
 "It's queer/' said Meredith, looking at Reginald. 
 
 " He's big enough to take care of himself/' said 
 Reginald. 
 
 " What's the matter?" asked Louis. " Vernon 
 lost ?" 
 
 Neville repeated his story, and exhibited the 
 dry coat. 
 
 " But perhaps he got there after you left the 
 house ? " 
 
 " I have just come from it/' replied Neville. 
 " I thought he might be there, and ran back to 
 see, just before I came here;" 
 
 "There he is!" exclaimed Meredith, pointing 
 across the water. And sure enough there he was, 
 without his coat, running to the water's edge. 
 
 " Reginald ! Meredith ! Louis ! " he shouted, 
 "come and look at this machinery. Here's a 
 most interesting saw-mill. It is worth looking 
 at ; come round. Oh, Neville ! bring my coat, 
 that's a good fellow." 
 
 The youths set off running, and were met at 
 the bridge by Vernon, who laughed at Neville's 
 fruitless search, and led the way down a little 
 hollow to a kind of workshop, where under a roof 
 revolved the circular mill which had charmed
 
 DAsIIWooi) PHIORY. 35 
 
 liim so much. Ouce again here, and there seemed 
 to be no getting him away. He exhibited all its 
 points to his friends, and suggested certain im- 
 provements to the men; then he -wanted to go 
 over the Hour-mill adjoining, when Neville acci- 
 dentally touched him. 
 
 "Oh, Vernon, you arc quite wet! You have 
 never been to the house." 
 
 " No ; I have been better employed/' replied lie. 
 
 " You are very wrong," exclaimed Neville : 
 " you will get a terrible cold." 
 
 " Pshaw ! a wetting hurts no one as long as he 
 keeps in motion. Look here, Reginald, I want to 
 show you this eccentric. It draws the log gra- 
 dually along across the saw, without the least 
 trouble to the men. You did not expect to find 
 such an invention here. The artist is only a com- 
 mon workman. We must look over the mill; see, 
 Reginald, this gear is attached to the flour-mill: 
 I want to look over that with you." 
 
 "You must not, Vernon!" exclaimed Neville, 
 energetically. " Reginald, do not let him; mak 
 him come home." 
 
 "lam almost dry now," said Vernon, care- 
 lessly. " Reginald, 1 want them to have an 
 hydraulic engine." 
 
 " I won't hear any more of hydraulics or hy- 
 drostatics, OX any Other IC* now," said Reginald. 
 " You must be pleased to conic home." 
 
 "Immediately. lint just set " 
 
 " Vernon, you are very wrong," < cclaimeo 
 
 i) 2
 
 36 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Neville. " It is quite sinful to trifle with your 
 health. You know as well as any one what the 
 consequences of such a wetting may be, though 
 you treat it so lightly. Vernon, do be persuaded 
 to come home, or, at least, to go into the mill- 
 house ; but a brisk walk will be the best for you 
 now. It is really too serious : you are trifling 
 with danger, Vernon." 
 
 " 'Oh, dear discretion ! how his words are suited," " 
 
 exclaimed Vernon, laughing. 
 
 " ' The hoy hath planted in his memory 
 An army of good words.' 
 
 I cannot withstand such a torrent of eloquence. 
 Come, Reginald, let's go. I shall be dry before 
 we reach home ; so much the better ; it will 
 save trouble. Come, let us see who will get 
 to the Priory first. We will come and make 
 a survey to-morrow, Reginald. Ah, Reginald ! 
 Oh, Neville ! You have made me despise my own 
 rule, — ' Not to leave till to-morrow what mav be 
 done to-day.' Fools look after to-morrow ; wise 
 men take care of to-day." 
 
 He put on his coat, and, challenging them to 
 a race, they all set off full speed; and running 
 much, and walking a little, they reached home 
 in an hour. Vernon's persuasiveness, at least, 
 was perhaps owing more to a sense of shivering 
 than to Neville's powers of rhetoric ; but he was 
 tolerably warm when they reached the Priory, 
 and all bad effects might have been averted, had 
 he taken care then. He retired to his own room
 
 DASIIWOOD PIUOHY. 37 
 
 directly, with urgent requests from all that he 
 would immediately change his things, and take 
 care of himself. Mrs. Mortimer, who in vain 
 urged his going at once to bed, went upstairs 
 herself with him, to see that the window Mas 
 shut, and, in spite of his laughing remonstrance 
 that he was so hot he could hardly breathe, he 
 promised to keep it shut. He did not descend 
 for more than an hour afterwards ; but Mrs. 
 Mortimer anxiously noticed his pallid face to 
 him in the course of the evening. She might 
 have noticed more, had she not been much taken 
 up with some little preparations for Louis, who 
 Mas to set off for Bristol the next morning at 
 half-past four.
 
 38 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 i 
 
 " What evil eye can entrance win, 
 Where guards like these abound ? 
 If chance some heedless heart should roam, 
 Sure thought of these will lure it home, 
 Ere lost in Folly's round." 
 
 Christian Year. 
 
 Meredith was so verv averse to leaving the cave 
 of Mr. Mortimer, that he persuaded his father to 
 make arrangements for him to read for the next 
 six months with Mr. Phillips, preparatory to his 
 matriculating at Cambridge. This arrangement 
 was particularly delightful to him, as Mr. and 
 Mrs. Mortimer were verv glad that he should 
 spend all his spare time at the Priory, his affec- 
 tionate attention to them having won their love, 
 and made them verv desirous to strengthen in 
 him every good impression he appeared to have 
 received while with them. It must he confessed 
 that, though Louis had arrived at the mature age 
 of sixteen, he felt more than usuallv lonelv at 
 leaving home this time. Many of his old friends 
 had left school, and among them his dearest 
 Reginald ; and the night travelling did not tend 
 to dissipate the gloom of his spirits as he drew 
 near his journey's end. The coach drew up at 
 the door of a large house by the roadside, a few
 
 DASHWOOS PIUOHY. ','.» 
 
 miles from Bristol, where he was invited to spend 
 the night, in order to accompany one of his 
 schoolfellows back to Dr. Wilkinson's. The 
 
 coachman had put down his luggage and driven 
 off, and the gate-hell had been rung two or three 
 times, when a servant appeared in great haste, 
 and, with many apologies for keeping him wait- 
 ing, ushered him to the house, and throwing 
 open the door of a room on one side of the hall, 
 begged him to walk in, while she went to call 
 another servant to fetch his trunk. 
 
 " They hardly seem to expect me," thought 
 Louis, us he scrutinized the room to see what sort 
 of people Salisbury's relations were. 
 
 It Avas not certainly so elegant as Dashwood, 
 being nothing more or less than a lofty square 
 room, of very modern description, with three large 
 sash windows at one side, nearly covered by large 
 muslin curtains. In one, where the drapery had 
 been carelessly pushed aside, stood a small table 
 covered with ladies' work, and surrounded with 
 chairs and stools. On one ottoman lay a cotiple 
 of dilapidated dolls, and on, a large table mar 
 Louis a sextant, case of mathematical instruments, 
 and an open work on navigation. The piano Was 
 open, and Uttered with music. Near it, on a low 
 chair, lay a guitar, the long ribbon of which w;is 
 
 affording much amusement to a young kitten. 
 
 Louis w;in Left alone sonic minute-, and had fully 
 
 time to discover, from names inscribed on books, 
 and work, and toys, thai Frederick Salisbury, bis
 
 40 DASHAVOOD PRIORY. 
 
 old schoolfellow, owned "Norie's Navigation/' 
 and his sisters, Edith, Caroline, and Fanny, the 
 emptied portfolios of music, before his medi- 
 tations were disturbed by the entrance of the 
 brother, who was to be under his escort the next 
 day. He stood still at the door, looked surprised 
 and shy, and finally began in a low tone, " Oh, 
 'tisn't Burton: — what an awful mistake Jane 
 made !" 
 
 " My name is Mortimer," said Louis advancing. 
 "Oh, you're Louis Mortimer!" replied the 
 young gentleman, coming up and holding out his 
 hand. "I thought you were coming at eight. 
 You've been kept an awful time by yourself; we're 
 so awfully busy to-day, what with the packing up 
 and all." 
 
 "Where arc your brothers?" asked Louis 
 quietly. " They are not packing up, I suppose ?" 
 "Come along, will you, and see. The girls 
 won't let Fred come down, so I've come down to 
 bring you up. They thought it was another 
 fellow ; but it's all the same. I dare say they'll 
 say I'm awfully rude, but they'll make it all 
 straight." 
 
 Louis was not much impressed by this specimen 
 
 of his future protege; he followed him quietly 
 
 upstairs, and on the way made some inquiries 
 
 ■especting one of his brothers, who was now a 
 
 cadet in India. 
 
 Ethelred informed him that John was very 
 jolly, and all that," " longing for a fight ;" and
 
 DAsuwoon PRIORY. II 
 
 that " mamma was as frightened as anything." 
 
 At this juncture they arrived at their jour- 
 ney's end, and opening a bedroom door, the 
 young gentleman shouted out, " Enter Louis 
 .Mortimer, Esq." 
 
 The bedroom into which Louis entered was 
 littered from one end to the other with trunks, 
 clothes, books, and other et ceteras, and on the 
 foot of a bed sat Salisbury, without his coat, 
 playing " The girl I left behind me." very 
 miserably, on a piccolo. A pretty laughing girl 
 of thirteen or fourteen sat beside him, stitching 
 away at something, and two others, whose long 
 curls hid their faces, were kneeling at a trunk in 
 front packing very diligently, while at the further 
 end of the room Charles was calling the names of 
 the articles from a long inventory. Two little 
 giils of about six and seven years old, who were 
 standing at Fred's knee listening with great 
 admiration to his playing, completed the tableau. 
 On Louis' entrance Salisbury jumped up and over 
 the trunk in front of him, and welcomed him very 
 heartily. 
 
 " Why, it's Louis himself! A great shame to 
 send for you to come to such a place, Louis ; but 
 the laet is, the servant announced another friend. 
 A summons came for me yesterday to join my 
 ship to-morrow at Plymouth, and as she's ordered 
 off to China, we've heaps to do. 1 know, old 
 fellow, you don't stand on trilles, and won't he 
 
 very angry at Ethelred's rudeness on such au
 
 42 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 occasion. Look here, these beauties are all 
 frantic if I leave the room for a minute ; and so 
 Ethelred was desired to ask Burton, not you, to 
 our ' chaos worse confounded ' than usual." 
 
 " Don't apologize," said Louis. u And are you 
 really going for so long a time ? I do not wonder 
 your sisters can hardly spare you." 
 
 " And now I must introduce you : there are 
 such lots of them, I shall be lucky if I remember 
 their names right. My friend and schoolfellow 
 Mr. Louis Mortimer, ladies;" and Salisbury, 
 turned to his laughing, blushing sisters, who had 
 risen on Louis' entrance, te Misses Caroline and 
 Elizabeth Salisbury, the best packers in Christen- 
 dom : Miss Fanny, the girl what doesn't mind a 
 brotherly thump sometimes, when her old Fred's 
 afflicted with an accumulation of sensorial power, 
 as the books say ; and here," he continued, lifting 
 one of the little ones, " are Kate and Marianne ; 
 I don't know of what use they are, except to leave 
 their toys about, and get the brothers the credit 
 of breaking them. Thev know we don't care 
 about them a bit." 
 
 "But you do, though," said the little one, 
 squeezing his face between her hands. 
 
 " Do, though, indeed ! But, my dear fellow, you 
 are hungry, or tired, or something." 
 
 " Rather tired, but not hungry," replied Louis ; 
 " and not too tired to enjoy seeing you among 
 your kind sisters, whom I hope I shall know 
 better soon. I have only one, you know ; but I
 
 I)\-M\VOOD PIUOKV. 43 
 
 love her well enough to understand how rich you 
 are in five times the number." 
 
 " Five ! — you haven't seen half of them yet." 
 
 " Oh, Fred ! " exclaimed Fanny, laughing. 
 "Half! — no, he hasn't. Do you suppose, little 
 ladies, that all of you together are equal to the 
 'Swan's Neck? 1 Here she comes! — my eldest 
 sister Edith, called Swan's Neck for her beauty." 
 
 " Really, Fred, you arc taking advantage of 
 your license to-day, I think," said the last- 
 mentioned young lady, who entered with her 
 mother at the moment. 
 
 " My mother, Mortimer. There isn't a mother 
 of them all can come up to mine ; not even yours, 
 Mortimer." 
 
 "At any rate," replied Mrs. Salisbury, "Mrs. 
 Mortimer would, I am sure, wish you to think 
 so; but we will excuse her son from being 
 obliged to hold the same opinion. My dear Mr. 
 Alortimcr, I am quite ashamed of the welcome 
 you have received, in return for your kindness in 
 coming to take charge of my boy. I have only 
 just heard that you were here, and should not 
 have imagined my young people would have 
 brought you op tired to this uncomfortable 
 room." 
 
 "I was just asking him if he was tired, 
 mamma," said her eldest son. 
 
 "We need ask no questions, 1 think," replied 
 
 his mother, sinking Iier head, and, lending Loui 
 
 out of the room, she Bhowed him into another
 
 44 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 neatly arranged for his use; and after assuring 
 herself that his luggage was up, left him to make 
 his preparations for tea. 
 
 Our friend Louis, as we know of old, not being 
 of a very boisterous turn, was not sorry to rest 
 a few minutes in peaee after his long journey, 
 though he had been both amused and interested 
 by his introduction to his friend's family, which 
 Reginald had always lauded as the most pleasant 
 possible for holiday time. Before very long, a 
 gentle tap at the door preluded the announce- 
 ment that tea was quite ready ; and, on opening 
 the door, Louis found Fanny and a little brother 
 waiting to show him the way down. 
 
 Fannv led the way rather shylv, and iust as 
 they reached the hall, said, " I am afraid you 
 will think us all very rude ; but we did not expect 
 you quite so soon. You did not come by the 
 London coach, I think ? " 
 
 " No, I did not," replied Louis ; " I came from 
 Gloucester." 
 
 " The London coach does not come in till 
 eight ; and we thought all our packing would be 
 done -by that time. Jane announced an intimate 
 friend of the boys, who lives quite close, and 
 comes in very often. If we had known who it 
 was, we should not have asked you to come up, 
 at least not till vou were rested." 
 
 Her little merry face looked so apologetic, that 
 Louis felt quite sorry for her. 
 
 " You must not think any more of it," said he,
 
 DASIIWOOD PltlOHY. 45 
 
 as he made way for her to enter tlie dining-room : 
 " your brothers are old friends of mine, and we 
 should never stand on ceremony with each other. 
 I never like being treated as a stranger, Miss 
 Fanny/' 
 
 When Louis arrived in the dining-room, he 
 found the table covered with a white cloth, and 
 laid out most hospitably with tea, fruit, eggs, and 
 cold meat. The large bow window was wide open, 
 and the two little girls were seated there at a 
 little table, a place being reserved there for 
 Fanny's companion. Fred's lather, a fine portly- 
 looking gentleman, as benevolent and prepossess- 
 ing in appearance as his mother, came forward, 
 and shaking Louis by both hands, welcomed him 
 to his house. 
 
 " I am afraid you must want dinner, Mr. Mor- 
 timer," said Mrs. Salisbury. " We were so con- 
 fidently assured by our hoys that you would come 
 by the London coach, or we would have suited 
 our dinner hour to you." 
 
 Louis assured her again and again that ample 
 dinner was provided for his wants, and presently 
 
 did justice to the cheer before him. His gentle- 
 ness and sweetness of manner prepossessed all the 
 party immediately in his favour, and nothing 
 could exceed the attention paid to his wants by 
 
 the greater part of the family, though it was rery 
 
 evident that there was one overpowering con- 
 sideration present with them all, that now and 
 theD cheeked the determination to be niern .
 
 46 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 i( 
 
 We feel it exceedingly kind of you, Mr. Mor- 
 timer," said Mrs. Salisbury, "to promise to look 
 after our poor little boy. He lias been so delicate, 
 poor little fellow, that I am afraid he is now 
 hardly fit for school; but really, I suppose it is 
 time he went." 
 
 "High time," said the father. "The fact is, 
 Mr. Mortimer, he is a spoilt boy, and if Dr. Wil- 
 kinson can unspoil him, he will do a good deed. 
 That's the way we parents always do : we spoil 
 our children, and then leave the master to mend 
 them for us. Rather hard upon the masters, I 
 think." 
 
 " I think so too, when it is the case," said Louis, 
 
 smiling. 
 
 When tea was over, the elder ones withdrew to 
 the drawing-room to have some music, by Fred's 
 especial request. Mrs. Salisbury made a place 
 for Louis on the sofa, and her dear eldest boy 
 drew a low ottoman near her, and seating himself 
 thereon, leaned his head on her shoulder, and 
 called from time to time for his favourite ditties 
 and airs, varying his employment by kissing his 
 mother's hand, which he held in his. Little 
 Fanny, who seemed to be a very particular favourite 
 of his, sat near him hemming a handkerchief, and 
 was called on for one or two veiy simple songs, 
 without accompaniment. 
 
 " Doesn't she sing well, Mortimer? Hasn't 
 she 12 ot a nice little voice of her own?" 
 
 b 
 
 a 
 
 Very," replied Louis.
 
 |i\-1I\VOOD PRIOHY. '-~ 
 
 "You forget how well you always told us Mi 
 Mortimer sings, Fred/' said Fanny. 
 
 "No. By-the-bye, Mortimer, do sing some- 
 thin-."' 
 
 "Not to-night," replied Louis, smiling. "There 
 are some much sweeter songs to be beard by yon 
 to-night." 
 
 "Bv-the-bye," exclaimed Salisbury, "there's 
 ' Norie/ and all those things not packed up, and 
 which of you beauties will sew me a button on 
 my glove?" 
 
 Fanny seized on the glove, and ran lightly away 
 with the things he mentioned, presently followed 
 by her eldest sister. 
 
 "She's such a little handy thing," said Salis- 
 bury; "I'll be bound she's got them all in be- 
 fore the Swan's Neck gets upstairs. Little Fan. 
 she lias always a smile and a needle and thread — 
 eh, mother?" 
 
 "We must not talk of her perfections," said his 
 mother, smiling. 
 
 Salisbury was at last constrained to attempt a 
 
 g himself, ami he got pretty well through B 
 
 rather roaring version of " Blow high, blow low." 
 
 till the middle of the second verse, when lie fairly 
 
 broke down, and hastily resumed his seat by his 
 
 mother. 
 
 ■• How now, Fred?" said his father kindly. 
 
 "What's the row, Fred?" exclaimed Charlesj 
 •• you haven't finished it." 
 
 •• Sfou are good little creatures to sing so much
 
 48 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 for me/' said Fred, with an attempt to be gay. 
 " I know a fellow can't sing very well with a lump 
 in his throat. I'll just go and see what Fan's 
 about." 
 
 As the evening wore on, the spirits of the party 
 flagged, and Salisbury at length hardly spoke at 
 all. Louis retired to bed before prayers; and 
 believing him to be tired, no one pressed him to 
 stay longer : yet it was more than an hour before 
 the family separated ; for there were many things 
 to say that night of their first long separation, 
 that none but family ears should hear, and grief 
 that none but each other's hearts could share. 
 We will not lift the veil; there are some things 
 too sacred to be touched. That last night would 
 never be forgotten by the sailor boy ; nor will he 
 ever care to do that which should bring a pang 
 to the kind hearts of those dear ones who think 
 so fondly and proudly of him in his childhood's 
 home. 
 
 Fred left home with his father the next dav, bv 
 the coach that took Louis and Ethelred to Dr. 
 Wilkinson's, and the two latter were set down 
 safely at the White Lion early in the afternoon, 
 and not long after were on their way to Ashfield 
 House.
 
 DASUWOOD PIUOIIY. 49 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 " My soul hangeth on Thee ; Thy right hand upholdeth me." 
 Ps. lxiii. 9 (Prayer Book version). 
 
 " He that feareth the Lord will do good." — Ecclesiasticus. 
 
 When Louis had got beyond Clifton lie dis- 
 mounted, with his young charge, both preferring 
 to walk the remainder of the distance, as Ethelred 
 was anxious to see as much as possible of the 
 neighbourhood of his school. It was a lovely, 
 warm day, and the beauty of the surrounding 
 scenery closed Louis's lips for a time, while his 
 heart was the more open to the bounteous Maker 
 of all. Thoughts of all past goodness, of the 
 care that hud been over him since he first learned 
 to love the Lord, and more especially since he 
 had been at school, rushed through his mind, 
 lie wondered why so much love was shown to 
 him. " Why me? why me? so weak, so faithless, 
 so doubting. I will extol Thee, my (iod, oh King, 
 and I will praise Thy name for ever and ever ; for 
 Thou hast magnified Thv word and Thv name 
 above all things. In the day when 1 cried Thou 
 answeredst me, and Btrengthenedsl me with 
 strength in my soul! And will lb' not still he 
 with me? I will trust, and not he afraid/' lie 
 
 remembered how fearful lie had been when 
 
 i:
 
 50 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 Hamilton had left hira, but still lie had been 
 upheld and enabled to walk holily before men ; 
 now he was still more alone. Reginald, who 
 always took his part, who was ridicule proof, 
 was no longer with him to fight his battles, and 
 to stand by him with his straightforward advice 
 and ready sympathy. Louis could hardly per- 
 suade himself that he was growing so old, and 
 was now one of the oldest in the school, and 
 should lead instead of being led. 
 
 " How gently have I been guided, oil my 
 Father!" he thought. "Hitherto hast Thou 
 helped me ; and how gradually am I taught to go, 
 taking me by my arms. Surely Thou hast led 
 me with cords of love. Hold me bv Thv riaht 
 hand ; never leave nor forsake me, but perfect 
 that which concerncth me, and enable me to walk 
 before Thee with a perfect heart." Then his 
 thoughts went back to his late confirmation, and 
 he was thinking how much more decidedly he 
 should stand forth as a soldier of Christ, now he 
 had make this public profession, when little 
 Ethelred said : — 
 
 " How silent you are, Mr. Mortimer ; are you 
 tired or sorry?" 
 
 " Neither ; only silent," replied Louis. 
 
 " Your eves seem to be full of tears," said 
 Ethelred ; n I thought you were thinking of 
 home." 
 
 " But not sorrowfullv," said Louis. 
 
 " Well, I don't know how you can think of it now
 
 DAsawooo niioiiv. 51 
 
 and not be sorrowful ; I can scarcely keep from 
 crying, especially when I think of Fred going." 
 
 " Poor bov," said Louis kindly. " But vou 
 should try to think of home happily and thank- 
 fully, Ethelrcd." 
 
 " How ?" asked Ethelrcd. " I don't know how 
 a follow can. Were you not wishing to bo at 
 home just then?" 
 
 Louis smiled. 
 
 "There is no harm in a little of that," In- 
 replied; "though I was not exactly wishing to be 
 at home just then." 
 
 "But would vou not go home if vou might ?" 
 
 * Perhaps I do not know what is best for me, 
 Ethelrcd, and so it is a very happy thing I am 
 not left to choose. I think school has been, with 
 God's blessing, of a great deal of use to me, and 
 I hope it will be to you. You know avc hope to 
 be men some day, and must go out among men. 
 and we must learn, while boys, how men should 
 act; and so it is better to learn something of 
 that by degrees among those who will be men 
 with as. I am sure it is best, though I lou 
 home so dearly. I was thinking just now how 
 many things I had to thank God for, and how 
 glad 1 ought to be that lie is bo gracious as to 
 direct my way for mo, instead of leaving me 
 
 choose it for myself." 
 
 Bthelred looked up very gravely a: sis com- 
 panion; and then added : — 
 
 \re the boys at all like VOU, Mr. Mortin. 
 
 i 2
 
 52 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 " You will be able to judge for yourself soon/' 
 replied Louis. " But now I will tell you how I 
 want you to think happily and thankfully of 
 home. You must try to thank God that He has 
 given you so happy a home, and so many dear 
 brothers and sisters, and such kind parents, and 
 pray that you may never, never do anything at 
 school that may cause them a moment's pain. 
 The half-year will soon slip by, and how delightful 
 it will be to take home a good character, more 
 information, and perhaps a prize. Your papa and 
 mamma wish you to improve, and you will not 
 disappoint them, will you ?" 
 
 "No; I'll try," replied Ethelred, squeezing 
 Louis's hand very hard. " Will you help me, 
 Mr. Mortimer?" 
 
 " As much as I can. I want you to show the 
 others how you can serve God in diligence and 
 good behaviour." 
 
 " I am sure I shall be good, if all the boys are 
 like you," he replied. 
 
 " You must not expect them to care so much 
 for you as I do : each one has his own particular 
 friend." 
 
 "And may I be yours, Mr. Mortimer?" 
 
 " You may be one of mine," said Louis. 
 
 " I am sure you are very kind," said the 
 little boy. " How long it is before we get to Dr. 
 Wilkinson's; are we near?" 
 
 "There is the house," said Louis. "That large 
 grey building among the trees."
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Ethelred looked at it with a kind of awe-struck 
 interest. 
 
 "It's a prettier house than I thought; and 
 where is the playground, and -which side is the 
 M'hool-room V 
 
 "The school-room is behind, and the play- 
 ground is behind, and before, and sideways, and 
 every way." 
 
 "What, that beautiful park, Mr. Mortimer?" 
 
 " Yes. It does not look a very dismal place, 
 does it?" 
 
 " Oh no, it's capital ! There's plenty of room 
 for play." 
 
 •And plenty of room for lessons too within," 
 said Louis. 
 
 "Oh! I suppose we shall have an awful lot of 
 them ; I'm awfully afraid of that." 
 
 " There is nothing to excite so much awe," 
 replied Louis. " I fancy your fear and the lessons 
 arc about equally matched, as you say." 
 
 '• What?" said Ethelred. 
 
 "There is nothing very awful in either. Pol 
 my part, I never met with anything awful in 
 lessons, nor do 1 think I ever felt awfully afraid ; 
 and I do not think you do either, if you consider 
 about it." 
 
 "Now, Mr. Mortimer, that's just what mamma 
 says." 
 
 "Then think of it the more." 
 
 "There's our fly going in at the gate. :j 
 
 "And we shall not be very long after it," said
 
 54 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Louis, as he stooped to unfasten a little wicket at 
 the side of the park. " Oh, it's fastened ; but we 
 can climb over." 
 
 Accordingly he climbed over, assisted Ethelred, 
 and by a short cut across the ground reached the 
 hall-door at the same time with the fly, paid the 
 man, dismissed him, and then led his little charge 
 into the school-room. It was about three o'clock, 
 consequently all were in full work, yet many near 
 the door broke out of bounds to greet Louis 
 as he entered, and one grave-looking, well-grown 
 boy of twelve years old, bolder than the others, 
 fairly threw himself into his arms, " Oh Louis ! 
 I was afraid you were not coming back." 
 
 " Sit down, Hamilton," cried the nearest usher. 
 
 " It's Louis Mortimer, sir," said Alfred, as he 
 obeyed the command. 
 
 Louis paid Ins respects to each master in suc- 
 cession ; and it was pleasant to watch the welcome 
 faces wherever he turned. One or two inqui- 
 ries were made about Ethelred, and the masters 
 generally said a kind word to him for his brother's 
 sake. 
 
 As Louis passed up the schoolroom, on his way 
 to the study, Avhere he found the doctor was, he 
 came to a familiar row of ink-stained desks, at 
 one end of which sat a boy of fourteen, with a 
 slate and book before him. Both his elbows were 
 on the desk, and his fingers were shoved among 
 the roots of his hair, while his abstracted, absorbed 
 study of the subject before him provoked a plea-
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOKY- 55 
 
 sant-looking young man on the opposite side, who 
 ought to have been similarly occupied, into sketch- 
 ing the tempting attitude on his slate for the 
 benefit of his next neighbour, with whom he was 
 holding an under-current of conversation more 
 amusing than profitable. The head of hair and 
 the round shoulders would have identified Charles 
 Clifton anywhere ; and Louis roused him from his 
 studies by seizing both wrists, and pulling him 
 back with a gentle force. It was a minute before 
 diaries appeared to understand the meaning of 
 the interruption, and then he got up and shook 
 hands. 
 
 " I am very glad to see you." 
 
 " And how has the world wagged with vour 
 ladyship since we met last ? " said the artist, rising 
 and shaking hands across the desk. " I've taken 
 the rise out of you this half, however, Mr. Louis. 
 The bottom of the class to your ladyship. Is that 
 little Salisbury? How is it vou come so late, 
 sir? The doctor has been so angry that you 
 didn't come the first day." 
 
 " Frank, Frank ! " said Louis, laughing. 
 
 • Well, how are Vernon, Reginald, Salisbury, 
 and all the rest ? " 
 
 "I must tell you thai after school," replied 
 Louis, "for Mr. Danby looks as if 1 weir dis- 
 turbing decorum ; and, besides, I ought to ;_ r o 
 in to the doctor." 
 
 " Hear him ! " said Frank. " 1 <' 
 has forgotten your existence.' 1
 
 56 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 " I flatter myself he lias not." 
 
 " ( Lay not that flattering unction to your soul/' 
 Lady Louisa. Sit down ; I dare say he can wait 
 five minutes." 
 
 Louis only replied by a low bow, and a retreat 
 to the class-room. 
 
 I have so often elsewhere detailed interviews with 
 the respected head master of Ashfield House, that a 
 repetition may be tedious. It will answer our end 
 to say that Ethelred Salisbury was duly presented 
 to and examined bv Dr. Wilkinson that afternoon, 
 and placed in the lowest class, where he had the 
 felicity of doing two or three sums with a great 
 deal of help, and looked about for the rest of the 
 time till tempus ludendi was proclaimed. 
 
 When this welcome period arrived, Louis, 
 Clifton, and Frank, with one or two others, con- 
 gregated in the play-ground to discuss the events 
 of the holidays. There were many expressions 
 of regret that Reginald and Meredith had not 
 returned, and many inquiries about Vernon, 
 whose collegiate fame was known to manv at 
 Dr. Wilkinson's. 
 
 "And so Meredith is going to read at Dash- 
 wood ? — he's a happy fellow," said Frank. " I 
 only wish I were going somewhere. I wanted 
 very much to persuade my father to that step, 
 but he was unpersuadeable. They always seem 
 so glad to get rid of me. However, one thing is 
 agreeably decided, that I leave school at Michael- 
 mas, and matriculate in October at Trinity."
 
 DASHWOOD PBIOBT. 57 
 
 "Oxford or Cambridge ?" asked one. 
 
 " As if there could be any doubt/' answered 
 Frank, contemptuously. " Do you think I should 
 patronize Oxford at all ? and nothing less than 
 Christ Church there, if you please. No, Cam- 
 bridge, man, which my father and my father's 
 father honoured before me." 
 
 " I suppose you mean to rival Vernon ? " said 
 one. 
 
 " That remains to be seen. One such lumi- 
 nary is enough for the family honour. I am 
 looking forward to a little ease and rest after the 
 fatigues of school. Don't you think that fair, 
 Louis ? " 
 
 " I am beginning to be of opinion that we are 
 not intended to rest in this life," answered Louis; 
 " and I do not think we are any the happier for 
 it cither." 
 
 " ' On, Frankie, on ! is the last cry of Louis.' 
 Oh, insatiable model of perseverance and mo- 
 rality ! Do you know where Hamilton is now?" 
 
 " He and Trevannion are somewhere in the 
 Isle of "Wight. Hamilton does not seem to be 
 doing very much at Oxford." 
 
 " Leave him alone," said Frank. "Hamilton 
 is not an intuitive genius; he is rather a slow 
 coach, but a vcrv sure one. He will come in 
 first, and be in no danger of an upset all the 
 way through. He knows what be knows, and 
 that's more than we flighty ones can say. He 
 will make a capital barrister."
 
 >8 
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " He will," said another. " He is so clear- 
 headed, and has such a cool manner of his 
 
 own." 
 
 " As for Trevannion," continued Frank, " he's 
 an ass ; and it's well for him he's of a good 
 family, — that is to say, if he wants to get any- 
 thing. He is founder's kin somewhere. I pity 
 the poor flock who will have the misfortune to 
 own his tender care. He'd lead them into the 
 lion's den, going first himself, because he knows 
 no better ; and, what's more, he's so weak and so 
 pig-headed, he will never be any better." 
 
 " Don't say that, Frank," said Louis, gravely. 
 " He may, indeed, and I trust he will." 
 
 u Mortimer, have you heard about Ferrers ?" 
 asked one of the party. 
 
 Louis answered in the negative. 
 
 "Then there's a piece of news for you," said 
 Frank. " When we next go into Bristol, we will 
 pay him a visit." 
 
 " He lost his father about a twelvemonth ago," 
 said the first speaker, " and it appears he was 
 greatly involved, and left him nothing. An uncle 
 or cousin has had pity on him, and has appren- 
 ticed him to a stationer in Wine-street, telling 
 him, as I understand, that he can't think of in- 
 dulging his fine gentlemanly notions — that beggars 
 mustn't be choosers." 
 
 " There then," said Frank. 
 
 " Pride has had a fall," said another. " No 
 one can pity him much."
 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 59 
 
 " Poor fellow ! " said Louis. " Is it not cnougli 
 to be alone in the world, poor fellow?" 
 
 u It is a just punishment for him/' said the in- 
 former. 
 
 "A just punishment, Williams?" said Louis, 
 turning round, and speaking very gravely. 
 " ' Thinkest thou, that they on whom the tower 
 of Siloam fell, were sinners above all others'? ' If 
 we talk of just -punishment, what do we deserve?" 
 
 "Av," said Frank, " ' if everv man had his 
 deserts, who shall escape whipping ' — Shakspeare, 
 he ni ! I did feel as sorry for him as I could, but he 
 was such a churl." 
 
 " Perhaps," said Williams, " he'll know how to 
 be civil now." 
 
 " Perhaps, so far from a judgment, it may be 
 for good to him," said Louis. a Have you been 
 to see him, Frank ?" 
 
 " He has helped me to a packet of envelopes." 
 
 " Is that all?" said Louis, earnestly. 
 
 " All ! " replied Frank ; " did you think I meant 
 to lower myself by companionship with a sta- 
 tioner's apprentice?" 
 
 " I do not think you would lower yourself by 
 speaking to him," said Louis. 
 
 " Chacun a son gout," answered Frank. "II 
 may be well enough; I can't help bis condition, 
 nor he neither, but it places el bar between us, 
 and he never was a friend of* mine. V> i m or 
 
 Hamilton placed in such a predicament, the ease 
 
 would be materially altered."
 
 CO DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Louis was going to ask Ferrer's direction, when 
 the conversation was interrupted by a group of 
 little boys, among whom were Ethelred Salisbury 
 and Alfred Hamilton. The former, with a very 
 red face, was loudly declaiming against the injus- 
 tice of some assertion, apparently made by one or 
 all of the little party round him, and by his 
 indignant gestures of course only laid himself 
 more open to his tormentors. 
 
 " How now, Ethelred ! " exclaimed Louis. 
 "What's the matter?" 
 
 " The boys are teasing me ! " exclaimed Alfred, 
 tauntingly. 
 
 " Alfred ! " said Louis, " I am both surprised 
 and ashamed." 
 
 " Why, Louis ? All boys must be teased when 
 they come to school, and I've heard you say — " 
 
 " What's the matter, Ethelred ?" asked Louis, 
 cutting short Alfred's speech, and drawing Ethelred 
 away. 
 
 The child seemed struggling with a determina- 
 tion not to cry. He bit his lips very hard, and 
 clenched his hands, and it was not until Louis 
 had repeated his question, at a little distance from 
 the others, that he answered, — 
 
 "Alfred says I can't add three and four ! but 
 I can ; and it's all a lie." 
 
 " Ho ! he !" cried Frank. " Orlando Furioso !" 
 
 Lcuis looked beseechingly at Frank, and un- 
 doing the little hand, put it between his own, and 
 patted it, while he answered, with a mixture of
 
 DASHWOOD PKIORY. (11 
 
 sweetness and gravity, " Yon mnst prove to thorn 
 it is not true, Ethelred. Have you been doing 
 any sums this afternoon?" 
 
 " Yes; I have had some very hard sums, and I 
 couldn't do them very well ; they forget I've never 
 been at school before. They were awfully hard, 
 Air. Mortimer." 
 
 " Given," said Frank, "the distance between 
 the play-ground wall and the garden gate, to find 
 the length of Dr. Wilkinson's desk in inches; 
 that was it, wasn't it?" 
 
 Ethelred looked up puzzled. 
 
 " Was not that the question?" 
 
 " Xo, sir," he replied, sulkily. 
 
 " Oh ! this was it, I dare say. If I pay four 
 and sixpence for a silk pocket-handkerchief, how 
 much do your shoes cost?" 
 
 Ethelred looked again at Frank, and then burst 
 out laughing. 
 
 "Ah, I sec; you can't add three and four," said 
 Frank. 
 
 Louis laughed too, and then said, "Don't you 
 think it is much better to laugh about these things 
 than to get in a passion?" 
 
 Ethelred hung his head. 
 
 " Come." 
 
 "Only I can't help it, because it is not true, 
 and nobody takes niv part hut you ; and I'm 
 
 * » 1 • 
 
 sure, Mr. Mortimer, if you had been bo teased 
 
 when vou came to school; von would have minded 
 it."
 
 62 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Argumentum ad hominem" said one of them. 
 
 " But powerless here," said Frank, " as Louis 
 was the niost patient and good-humoured of all 
 teased mortals on a similar occasion." 
 
 "I don't think I was ever very cross about 
 teasing/' said Louis, kindly. " Perhaps I did 
 not mind it so much as you do ; but when the 
 boys see it teases you, they are encouraged to go 
 on. The best way is to take no notice of it ; — 
 laugh too." 
 
 " But I don't like them to say I don't know 
 how to add." 
 
 " Then get on fast, and get into another class, 
 and show that you are able to do as well as any 
 one. Get before some of them ; they won't laugh 
 at you then." 
 
 Ethelred's eyes sparkled. 
 
 " I will try. Mr. Mortimer. I will show them 
 I am as clever as they are, with all their boast- 
 ing ; and then I can tease too." 
 
 " Bravo ! " said Frank. " I am glad to see you 
 have such an amiable spirit of your own, Master 
 Ethelred." 
 
 Ethelrcd looked doubtfully at Frank, and then 
 at Louis, who was looking very gravely at him. 
 
 " Are you angry, Mr. Mortimer ? " 
 
 " Are you right, Ethelred ? I should hope, 
 when you have the power to tease, you will re- 
 member how painful you found it to be teased, 
 and not like to give another the same pain." 
 
 Ethelred coloured furiously, and looked rather
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. G3 
 
 angry ; but Louis said no more to him, and the 
 tea-bell ringing, he hurried with his friends 
 towards the house. Ethelred walked very silently 
 by him till they entered. "When the party sepa- 
 rated, he pulled Louis aside, and whispered, " I 
 will think of what you said, Mr. Mortimer. I 
 will try to be kind." 
 
 Louis smiled, and laid his hand on the little 
 boy's head. 
 
 The study, or class-room, before mentioned, 
 was soon tilled by the two first classes when 
 tea was over. After Louis had ascertained what 
 his own duties were for the next day, he went 
 into the school-room to look after his proti'f/ts. 
 lie had soon a busy little class round him, 
 and was able to be of signal service to poor 
 Ethelred, who was in a state of mystifica- 
 tion respecting the different lessons required of 
 him. Missing one of his applicants, Louis looked 
 round the room, and presently discovered Alfred 
 Hamilton not far from him with a copy of 
 Xenophon before him, busily engaged in making 
 paper-bellows, and endeavouring to blow out the 
 candle, with the most hopelessly idle expression 
 
 OU his Countenance. As soon as ho had set hi 
 
 pupils lo work, Louis walked up to Alfred, and, 
 looking over his shoulder, asked him how Long 1* 
 
 had been engaged at this lesson. 
 " Oh, 1 don't know." 
 
 Have \<>u done anything else this evening 
 « No." '
 
 04> DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " And how much have you to do ? — and how 
 much have you done ? " 
 
 Alfred laughed, and snatched the book from 
 his friend, who had taken hold of it. 
 
 " You ask such a heap of questions, Louis." 
 
 " But how much ? " 
 
 " As much again as half." 
 
 "And how much is half, if it is not too im- 
 pertinent a question." 
 
 " The quarter multiplied by two." 
 
 Louis coloured, and nearly turned away; but 
 he remembered Hamilton, and his own deter- 
 mination not to act to any boy as others had 
 acted to him when he needed patience and kind- 
 ness to his errors. 
 
 "Alfred," he said, seriously, "I suppose you 
 have done nothing, and that has made you dis- 
 satisfied with yourself, and impertinent to me. 
 I am afraid this day has been a wrong day alto- 
 gether. If you wish me to leave you alone to- 
 night I will ; but I warn you, that if you are not 
 industrious for the rest of the evening, you will 
 be in disgrace to-morrow. If vou want any 
 assistance, I shall be ready to give it when you 
 ask for it." 
 
 Alfred caught hold of his coat as he turned 
 away. 
 
 "Don't be angry, Louis. I have only done 
 one line, and that's the sum tottle." He gave 
 another puff with his last pair of bellows, and 
 then, putting them all into Louis' hands, said, —
 
 DASHWO0D PRIORY. G5 
 
 " There, Pll make you a present of them, — 
 t£t\avvtt, — oh, tins beastly stuff* ! I really never 
 can do it. What's the use of knowing how many 
 hoplites there were, and how many demons 
 guarded each city ? I think Greek was invented 
 to make boys miserable.'"' 
 
 " Oh, Alfred ! how can you be such a baby." 
 
 "It's all very well for a scholar like you to 
 talk." 
 
 " And how do you suppose I became a scholar, 
 — by kicking my legs about, and dog's-earing my 
 books ? " 
 
 " Yes, of course." 
 
 " Give me your book, and let me see what you 
 can do." 
 
 Alfred groaned, sighed, kicked the form, put 
 his elbows on the desk, laid his head thereon, and 
 a few minutes after finally shoved himself as far 
 as possible on the form, and, poking his head 
 under the desk, grunted out a line and a half, 
 concluding with, — " We never get a bit of play 
 now, Louis. When will you play the judge 
 again ?" 
 
 " Not on Saturday night, when you have less 
 time than usual. Come, Alfred, what's the 
 next? Now do lift up your head, and look at the 
 book." 
 
 " 1 never can be industrious at classics, they 
 are such beastly stuff. Now, mathematics, — I 
 don't mind how long I am about them." 
 
 " 1 think you don't mind how loug you are 
 
 Y
 
 66 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 about Greek either," said Louis, " or you would 
 have done this long ago." 
 
 "Oh!" groaned Alfred again, and down went 
 his head again under the desk. " It's too bad of 
 Mr. Norton to set us such hard lessons. Now, 
 Louis, you are too particular ; let me rest myself 
 a minute ; you're always at me so." 
 
 Louis got the head up again, and, with the most 
 exemplary patience, brought Master Alfred safely 
 through three more lines before the little boys 
 were summoned to bed, and by dint of great ex- 
 ertions, he accomplished another three before the 
 time arrived when he knew the younger ones 
 would be in bed, when he ran upstairs to fulfil a 
 previous promise of telling them a little story, 
 after they were in bed. As he came downstairs, 
 he met the second division going to bed, and 
 among them was Alfred Hamilton. 
 
 " Oh, Louis ! good night ; I've been wishing I 
 was a little boy, that I might have been upstairs 
 with you. I see I have tired you to-night, haven't 
 I, Louis ? Haven't I ? now do say." 
 
 " Never mind that now, Alfred ; think over it 
 all by yourself." 
 
 " I know I have ; I'm a bad fellow, Louis. I 
 could fling my own books at my head, Louis. I 
 will do better. I will be more kind to Ethelred ; 
 indeed, I was sorry." 
 
 Louis shook hands very warmly, and whispered 
 a few words of advice to him, and dashing his 
 hand across his eyes, Alfred ran upstairs. To his
 
 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 67 
 
 great delight, Louis found, on retiring to rest, 
 that Hamilton's old room was now to be his, and 
 it was directly arranged in his own mind that 
 Alfred and Ethelred should come to him every 
 morning, as Alfred had been in the habit of doing 
 with his brother. His heart went up in thankful- 
 ness to his heavenly Father, who had provided 
 this quiet retreat for him ; and soothed by silent 
 meditation after the excitement of the day, he fell 
 asleep, while breathing prayers for all the dear 
 ones at home. 
 
 t 2
 
 68 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 " In the bosom joy and grief 
 Ever cling together ; 
 Calm and tempest, pain and pleasure, 
 Days of trouble, hours of leisure, 
 
 Come like April weather. 
 
 - 
 
 " "Where a shower falls to-day, 
 
 Flowers may bloom to-morrow ; 
 In the cottage, in the palace, 
 Sweet and bitter fill the chalice, — 
 Mirth is twin'd with sorrow. 
 
 " Trust to Him who hangs the bow 
 On the shower's glancing ; 
 If we firmly bear our sadness, 
 He will turn our grief to gladness, 
 In the days advancing." 
 
 Mendelssohn's Part-Song. 
 
 " All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expe- 
 dient. All things are lawful, but I will not be brought under 
 the power of any." — 1 Cor. vi. 12. 
 
 All Louis 5 warmth and generous sympathy had 
 been roused by the account of poor Ferrers, and he 
 had determined to pay him a visit at the earliest 
 opportunity. Nearly a fortnight elapsed, however, 
 before the opportunity arrived. About this time 
 Louis received a letter from Reginald giving a 
 detailed account of all home doings, and more 
 particularly of the dangerous illness of Vernon.
 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 69 
 
 "You remember," said Reginald, "his slipping 
 into the mill-pond the day before you left us, and 
 how much we laughed. Ah ! Louis, how near 
 smiles and tears are. We do not know what we 
 laugh at. Well, vou remember how obstinate 
 Vernon was about hurrying home, and it seems 
 now that, even after all, he actually sat in his wet 
 clothes three quarters of an hour, writing two 
 notes, for fear of being too late for the post. The 
 consequence was, that the next day he had a tre- 
 mendous cold on his chest, with fever and shiver- 
 ing, which terminated in violent inflammation of 
 the lungs. lie savs he felt burning hot in the 
 night, and got up and opened the window and sat 
 by it till he had a shivering fit, when he got into 
 bed again. I cannot tell vou how very anxious 
 we have been; Uncle and Aunt Digby have been 
 here. At one time no one expected he would get 
 over it ; but thank God, thank God, Louis, with ib, 
 
 he is now recovering rapidly, and Dr. S says, 
 
 with God's blessing and care, will do very well. 
 Poor Uncle Frank, I never saw anything like his 
 anguish when it was thought Vernon must die. 
 Oli ! how sad it is that he has no religion to com- 
 fort him. Vernon i> serious, and seems very 
 thankful for his rccoverv : he was too ill for 
 much reflection, Louis, but I hope he will never 
 forget this time. Meredith has been SO kind 
 and thoughtful. He has tried to make up for 
 you (indeed we wanted yon), 1 am sure bis prayers 
 have been with us. Vernon is to go tor a cruise
 
 70 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 on the Mediterranean as soon as he is strong 
 enough. Uncle Clarence has promised his yacht, 
 and George Vernon, Neville, and I, accompany 
 him. I wish you were to be one of the 
 party." 
 
 There was much in this long letter that made 
 Louis both thoughtful and thankful, though his 
 cousin Frank remarked alternately upon the im- 
 proper manner in which he had been treated, in 
 not hearing sooner of his brother's illness, and the 
 good thing it was he had been spared the anxiety 
 the news would have excited earlier. Louis was 
 much pleased with the chastened tone of his 
 brother's letter, and now the danger was over, he 
 was glad, like Frank, that he had been kept in 
 ignorance. 
 
 Two days after this came a half-holiday, and 
 Louis obtained permission to take Alfred and 
 Ethelred to Bristol. The long walk was pleasantly 
 beguiled by one of Louis' inexhaustible stories, 
 and when they reached Wine-street, Louis left his 
 companions in a toy-shop, to choose anything they 
 liked, and went back to a stationer's they had 
 passed. He stepped in rather hesitatingly. To 
 his great satisfaction there was only one person in 
 the shop, and in him he immediately recognised 
 his quondam schoolfellow, as he was very little 
 grown, and still bore the old expression of sullen 
 indifference. He did not appear to recognize 
 Louis, and replied to his demand for some writing 
 paper by bringing down from a shelf a packet of
 
 P.71 
 
 Louis at the Stationer's.
 
 DASHW00D PRIORY. 71 
 
 the required article, and placing it on the counter 
 with the most dogged expression of apathy, untied 
 it without a word. 
 
 " This will do ; what is it a quire V* asked Louis. 
 
 u Ninepence," replied Ferrers. 
 
 " I will have two quires, if you please." 
 
 The two quires were laid aside in the same 
 manner, the rest of the paper fastened up, and 
 Louis' purchase made up and handed to him as ii 
 the apprentice, instead of a human being, were a 
 machine made for putting away and tying up 
 parcels; Louis drew out his purse, and as lie 
 laid the money on the counter, looked steadily 
 at him. 
 
 " Ferrers, have you forgotten me ?" 
 
 A deep crimson blush answered in the negative, 
 but there was no further reply. 
 
 " I came to see you." 
 
 " That you might look down upon me." 
 
 It was now Louis' turn to colour, but he replied 
 gently, as he held out his hand : 
 
 " I know you do not think so, Ferrers ; why 
 should I ? why should any one look down on 
 you? I think you are the one who looks down. 
 Are you too proud to shake hands with an old 
 schoolfellow ?" 
 
 Ferrers took Louis' hand as though he would 
 have let it fall. 
 
 "You have had much sorrow, Ferren ; 1 have 
 been very grieved to hear of it; 1 cannot tell you 
 how much I feel for you. It is very mysterious
 
 72 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 why we are so dealt with ; why one is spared and 
 another laden." 
 
 Just then another customer entered, and from 
 the opposite side of the shop the master, who, 
 seeing a young gentleman in conversation with 
 his apprentice, begged him to step inside, and 
 desiring Ferrers to take him to the back-parlour, 
 he attended himself to the shop. Here they were in 
 privacy, but as Ferrers still retained his stolidity, 
 Louis felt a little awkwardness in pursuing the 
 subject he had at heart. 
 
 " I know it is very easy for us to talk to one 
 another of resignation," he said again ; " however 
 much we may sympathize we cannot understand 
 another's bitterness. Resignation is what God 
 gives in His own good time, dear Ferrers ; we are 
 allowed to weep, and to weep with one another, 
 for Jesus wept." 
 
 Louis' affectionate eves were full of emotion, 
 but Ferrers saw them not, though he heard the 
 quivering tone of his voice : he replied sullenly : 
 
 " I don't want anyone's sympathy — I am 
 enough for myself." 
 
 " No one is that, Ferrers : I am sure vou do 
 want sympathy. It is that very want that makes 
 you spurn it when it is offered." 
 
 " I don't want it from you, then," he replied, 
 in a softened voice. 
 
 " And why not from me ?" 
 
 There was a pause. 
 
 1 ' Because you will not believe me sincere ? "
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 73 
 
 u I don't believe you come to carry the tale of 
 what the apprentice is doing, and how he looks. 
 I know you are above that ; but I cannot bear 
 that you, above all, should think about me and 
 feel for me. You had better go and forget all 
 about me : I shall do ; things never went too 
 straight with me." 
 
 " I cannot go till vou look more brijrhtlv on 
 things," replied Louis. " Come, Ferrers, if school- 
 boys are always to harp upon bygones what would 
 become of us all ? You must not look so darkly 
 upon your sorrows ; it is not resignation to be 
 callous. Perhaps you do not know how much 
 love there may be in this weight of sorrow ; I 
 know it is a weight." 
 
 " Love," repeated Ferrers. " Cast out of my 
 position — " he murmured something which Louis 
 could not catch. 
 
 "The Lord castcth down and raiseth up, 
 Ferrers ; do not close your heart, but pray that 
 God will work His own great work in this afflic- 
 tion : when that is done, He may raise you up 
 again ; He can. He that humblcth himself shall 
 be exalted. He can find you friends and meana 
 too. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and 
 He shall strengthen your heart. Will vou not 
 come and sec me at Aahfield P I have Hamilton's 
 room now, and I am sure Dr. Wilkinson will 
 allow me to see you there. Do you continue your 
 .studies now ? " 
 
 " What would be the use ? I see none."
 
 74 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " What use did you intend them to be ? Is it 
 not a pity to let your talents lie fallow V* 
 
 " Where would be the good, when I am debarred 
 from entering the university V 
 
 "But is that the only end of study?" asked 
 Louis. " Is there no pleasure in it for its own 
 sake; no advantage from it but such as can be 
 gained through college ? I need not remind you 
 of the many other callings it fits us for ; I know 
 you better, Ferrers ; it will do you good in 
 strengthening your mind. Besides, how can you 
 say that there never will be any opening for you 
 in Oxford : how many poor men get in there. 
 Fit yourself and try for a scholarship, and I think 
 there are some societies here for sending men to 
 the universities." 
 
 " Ay, for the Church ; and, bad as I am, I would 
 not be a clergyman for mere gain." 
 
 "Oh no, to be sure not!" exclaimed Louis, 
 warmly. "You may thank God He gives you 
 this feeling; but try, hope on — as we say at 
 school, 'never say die;' — you have not tried how 
 many shots there are in the locker yet." 
 
 A slight smile passed over Ferrers' face. 
 
 " Hope was the last thing which left Pandora's 
 box, Louis," he said. 
 
 " So it was," answered Louis. " We don't hear 
 that it ever left it ; and, dear Ferrers, is it not 
 wrong to give up hope as long as God gives us 
 health, and talents, and strength ? I want you to 
 look up to Him."
 
 IIWOOD PRIORY. 75 
 
 Ferrers sat down and leaned his head on the 
 table. 
 
 " Oh, Louis ! " he said, " my father said look 
 to Him ; I believe he did himself. Oh, Louis, he 
 was such a father; too good for me. Very unfor- 
 tunate, very unfortunate." He could hardly 
 articulate the last -words. Louis' hand was kindly 
 laid on his arm, and Ferrers did not repulse him 
 this time. 
 
 " I have deserved it all. I was not to him 
 what I ought to have been — my only friend ; but 
 I could say, 'my punishment is greater than I can 
 bear/ » 
 
 " You must not think so," said Louis. " God 
 is love, trust Him; He is light, look at Him, 
 and He will lighten you ; He wall rise on you 
 with healing in His wings. I have prayed, and 
 I trust I shall prey for you ; but you must pray 
 for yourself. Now, will you come and see me? 
 Promise you will." 
 
 '* I have little time," said Ferrers. 
 
 "Enough for that sometimes, have you not?" 
 
 " Perhaps." 
 
 "Promise then, God willing, that you will 
 come." 
 
 " 1 will try." 
 
 "Thank you; now I must bid you good bye, 
 for I have Alfred Hamilton and Eth sired Saliaburj 
 waiting for me at the toy-shop (Fred Balisbur 
 youn i brother but one)." 
 
 "Thank you, Louis," said Ferrers, rising; " I
 
 76 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 think you are what I always thought you — nearly 
 an angel." 
 
 "Hush!" 
 
 " May your God bless you, and — may He be 
 my God also." 
 
 "Amen/' said Louis, and they pressed each 
 others hands. 
 
 Louis returned to his charge. 
 
 "What a long time you have been, Louis!" 
 exclaimed Alfred ; "I was coming to look after 
 vou." 
 
 " It seemed long to you, I suppose, because you 
 were ready ; well, have you made your choice ? " 
 
 " I should like this paint-box," said Alfred ; 
 " and Salisbury wants a pencil-case." 
 
 " Very well ; now Ethelred, choose one of these 
 three," said Louis, selecting three from the heap 
 before him." 
 
 " May I really have one ? I thought it would 
 be too much money." 
 
 " Alfred's not so modest," said Louis, laughing. 
 
 " To be sure not ; what's the use of being told 
 to choose what vou like, if vou choose some- 
 thing you don't like ; I told Ethelred you'd heaps 
 of money." 
 
 " Not exactly heaps," replied Louis, " but 
 enough for your wants to-day. Now we must go ; 
 I have to call at another place as we go home. 
 Have vou made vour choice, Ethelred?" 
 
 The purchases were paid for, and they left the 
 shop. They were rather late when the last
 
 DASHWOOD 1 RIOBY. 77 
 
 ( rrand was done, and made up for lost time by 
 running races over the downs, and by this means 
 reached home just in time for tea. 
 
 As Louis took his place at the tea-table, Frank 
 handed him a little note. 
 
 " Ouvrez, ouvrez rite ! I have been on the 
 stilts of curiosity the last hour. A liveried 
 Mercury on horseback left it at the door an hour 
 ago, and it is such a dainty little perfumed billet 
 that Trevannion would have rejoiced to touch ; it 
 would not have defiled even his white hands." 
 
 Louis opened it with some curiosity. 
 
 " It is a note from Mrs. Fraser inviting you 
 and me to a musical party, Frank, on Tuesday ." 
 
 "Mrs. Fraser for ever!" exclaimed Frank; 
 " she's worth her weight in bank notes, a diamond 
 of the first water, Louis, eh? 1 think, however, 
 considering that I am the senior of the two 
 cousins, the letter ought to have becu addressed 
 to me. Of course, you will return a dainty 
 answer to-night." 
 
 " I don't think I can get it sent to-night, it is 
 too late and too far." 
 
 "To morrow, then; — oh, botheration! Fudge 
 is so particular about Sunday notes." 
 
 "I dare say Monday will be quite soon enough 
 tor Mrs. Fraser," said Louis. " Our going or not 
 going is not a matter of such vast importance to 
 her." 
 
 " 1 know better," said Prank ; " she's de- 
 pending upon us for basses, or tenor-. 01 some-
 
 78 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 thing of the kind ; and if it were not particularly 
 convenient to me to be accommodating enough 
 to give myself a change, I shouldn't go. Besides, 
 tall and engaging young men are always at a 
 premium at parties." 
 
 " But not hobbledehoys, Frank." 
 
 "Speak for yourself, my friend, — speak for 
 yourself/' cried Frank ; " I consider myself a 
 man, and, having worn tails and stickups for two 
 or three years, feel entitled to be considered so 
 by others. In a few weeks I shall be an uni- 
 versity man ; who talks of hobbledehoys there, 
 Mr. Louis ? " 
 
 " "Well, I beg your pardon, I am sorry I 
 offended your dignity," replied Louis. " We'll 
 suppose you a man for argument's sake, as you 
 say, and that you intend to give Mrs. Fraser the 
 felicity of seeing you, to sing Italian trios, &c. ; 
 and I may write to that purport ? " 
 
 "Assuredly, for they give an excellent spread, 
 and there is a passable re-union, — materials for 
 a little amusement. Now you have done, let us 
 descend and talk, — as the ladies do directly they 
 receive an invitation, — about what we shall wear. 
 I think, Louis," he added, as he hooked his arm 
 into his cousin's, " I shall wear my second-best 
 black trousers, — my best are unfortunately short, 
 — and, let me see, my sprigged white waistcoat. 
 Do you think that's good enough ? — and the coat 
 — oh, ought I to order one ? Mine has no satin 
 lining ; I can't possibly go without a satin lining.
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 70 
 
 It is such fan to hear mamma and Charlotte dis- 
 cussing the proprieties, when a card of invitation 
 comes. Well, now, after such confidence, -what 
 have you to say ? " 
 
 " Suppose I am not going ? " said Louis. 
 
 " Well, what then ? " said Frank. 
 
 u Can you go without me ? " 
 
 " Did I not tell you I am a man ? " 
 
 " I am glad to hear that, for I don't intend 
 to go." 
 
 " Of course," said Frank. 
 
 " I really am in earnest, Frank." 
 
 Frank suddenly stopped in the hall, which they 
 had now reached, and dragging Louis to the 
 lamp, looked in his face for a few seconds with 
 deep attention." 
 
 " Nonsense, Louis ; you don't mean it ? " 
 
 "I do, though." 
 
 " And why, in the name of all patience ? 
 Here, Smith ! " 
 
 " Hush ! " said Louis, putting his hand on his 
 cousin's mouth ; " I cannot explain reasons to 
 him. Keep your counsel, and go without me." 
 
 " In the name of patience, what reason can 
 vou have ? " 
 
 ■ 
 
 "A good one," said Louis. "But I tell vou, 
 candidly, I do not expect you to sympathise with 
 it; and perhaps I had better not tell you." 
 
 " No, — let's hear it, pray," said Frank, impa- 
 tiently.
 
 80 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " What a long confabulation you are having," 
 said Smith, coming up : " any secrets ? " 
 
 "Yes," said Louis. 
 
 " I think I heard my name just now." 
 
 " We are not talking of you," said Louis. 
 
 " Here's Louis declaring he doesn't mean to go 
 to Mrs. Fraser's on Tuesday," said Frank. 
 
 " Not go ? " exclaimed one. " What's the row 
 now?" 
 
 " 111 ? " exclaimed another. 
 
 "Why?" asked Smith. "I only wish Mrs. 
 Fraser had asked me." 
 
 Louis detached himself from Frank rather has- 
 tily, and, pushing through the boys, walked deter- 
 minedly away, without answering, into the school- 
 room, and calling Alfred and Ethelred, set to 
 work with them. 
 
 " I can't tell what's come to him," said Frank. 
 " He's offended, I suppose, that I told you. Some 
 new sanctimonious rigmarole he has got into his 
 head, I suppose. He need not have been such a 
 spoil-sport, however. I am sure Doctor won't let 
 me go by myself." 
 
 " It's very sneaking of him," said Smith. 
 
 " He's always such a wet blanket on anything 
 that's merry," said Frank. 
 
 "But he went last half with you." 
 
 " So he did," replied Frank, " and was full of 
 qualms about the music that was sung. Didn't 
 like the words of this, — didn't like the association 
 of that."
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 81 
 
 " But, surely, he didn't say so there?" 
 
 " Not he," answered Frank ; " he hasn't pluck 
 enough. He looked shy, sang everything, and 
 solaced his conscience by abusing everything, as 
 we walked home." 
 
 "What a donkey he is," said "Williams. " lie 
 wants a good shaking, to get these absurdities out 
 of him. He'll never be good for anything." 
 
 "I won't allow that," said Sutton. "He's a 
 great deal better than any of us, though we may 
 not like all he does. But, Digby, does he object 
 to all songs? I've often heard him sing them." 
 
 " No, that's where it is," replied Frank, " and 
 he can only be doing this on purpose to hinder 
 me from going." 
 
 " I dare say it's only a little fun : he'll go fast 
 enough," said Louis' defender. "We'll laugh 
 him out of it." 
 
 They walked a few minutes in the playground, 
 and then returned in a body to the house, passing 
 by Louis with the intention of badgering hi in 
 about his ungraciousness, but he was so sur- 
 rounded with his jrroti'i/vs, that they felt it was a 
 hopeless ease, and as he afterwards Bpent an hour 
 with Dr. Wilkinson, he did not come among them 
 ; L r ain till bed-time. 
 
 Prayers were no sooner over than an attack on 
 Louis commenced, simultaneously with the rush 
 upstairs. In vain he strove to run n|> without 
 making any explicit answers ; he was pinioned by 
 a dozen hands, and as many voices declared tin ■ v
 
 82 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 would know " the why " before he went into his 
 room. 
 
 " It's very shabby of you, Mortimer !" cried one. 
 
 "Now parson, where' s the sermon ?" exclaimed 
 another. 
 
 "Put him up in the pulpit!" said a third. 
 " Make him confess." 
 
 " You give me no time to speak/' said Louis, 
 with heightened colour. 
 
 " Silence in the court \" cried Smith. 
 
 " Will you promise to let me go when I have 
 spoken?" said Louis. 
 
 "When you say you'll go, or give us your 
 reasons for not going." 
 
 "I shall do neither the one nor the other," 
 answered Louis. " I do not mean to go ; I have 
 a sufficient reason, which I will tell Frank, though 
 he must confess he has not behaved very gene- 
 rously this evening." 
 
 " I like your talking of generosity," said Frank. 
 
 " I have asked the Doctor's leave for you to go 
 alone, and he has given it," said Louis, quickly. 
 " And Frank, I beg your pardon if I have seemed 
 rude and unkind, but you really gave me no time 
 to explain myself; if you wish for a reason, I will 
 give you one in my own room." 
 
 " Much obliged to you," replied Frank, scorn- 
 fully. "But I can tell the assembled company 
 your reasons as well as you can. They sing a 
 great number of ungodly songs at Mr. Fraser's, 
 gentlemen, not fit for a saint to sing, and they
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 83 
 
 happen to be clothed in such fascinating guise, 
 that he is tempted when he is there, and can't say 
 he won't sing them ; so he keeps out of the way 
 like a good saint, and won't go to please such a 
 sinner as myself." 
 
 Louis stood irresolutely on the stairs as the 
 hands that held him relaxed their hold. "You 
 do not understand me, Frank ; I cannot expect it." 
 
 "I understand every bit of it," said Frank, 
 sneeringly, "better than you do yourself. You 
 are a rare Methodist, that never was intended for 
 school, making yourself the laughing-stock of 
 every one that sees and hears you. I'll take care 
 Mr. Fraser knows why you are not there." 
 
 " You must, if you will," said Louis. " Good 
 night. Come, let me pass if you please." 
 
 " Ay, pass ! pass ! pass ! sainted martyr," echoed 
 on all sides, while Frank's voice, above the others, 
 continued in a tone of pique, — 
 
 " ' Ay, do persecute me ; 1 loves to be perse- 
 cuted.' " 
 
 Louis ran upstairs and took refuge in his own 
 room, and thankful was he to have so quiet a 
 refuge, lie sat down panting with his exertions, 
 and pressed his head in his hands. 
 
 How precious it was to feel that ONE knew 
 everything, and though not a word could tell 
 his wants and perplexities, his thoughts were 
 all "known long before." Once his door was 
 rudely unlatched, as his schoolfellows passed, and 
 thrown wide open, and after he had recloscd it 
 
 oJi
 
 84 DASHWOOD miORY. 
 
 and locked it, two or three tumbled against it. 
 The mirth of his aggressors was at last cut 
 short, before they reached their rooms, by a 
 stern voice. 
 
 " Young gentlemen ! I am thoroughly ashamed 
 of you. Digby ! is this worthy of you ? But 
 that I know it would be a trouble to Mortimer, I 
 would not trust you by yourself on Tuesday night. 
 Remember, you owe it to him that I do not at 
 once say you shall not go. If I hear auy more of 
 this, young gentlemen, I shall visit it severely on 
 you all." 
 
 He then waited on the landing till each was in 
 his room. 
 
 Frank's worst feelings were now in the ascend- 
 ant, and Louis reaped the fruits in studied coldness 
 and marked neglect from his cousin and his par- 
 tizans the next morning ; but in the course of the 
 afternoon he watched his opportunity when Frank 
 was upstairs, and persuaded him to come into his 
 room for a few minutes. " Only a few minutes, 
 Frank," he said. Frank's lip curled, and he 
 hesitated, but finally, ungraciously allowed himself 
 to be led in, though he would only stand near the 
 door, with a cloudy brow, as if he just endured 
 the explanation Louis wished to give. " Frank, 
 I cannot tell you how sorry I am that we should 
 quarrel." 
 
 " It's your own affair," said Frank, sullenly. 
 
 " You know I cannot tell all the boys what I 
 tell you, Frank. You are quite right about the
 
 DA8HW00D PBIORY. 85 
 
 reason wliy I cannot go to the party. I am not 
 sure, in the first place, that the excitement would 
 not be very bad for me in the middle of school; 
 and then, I candidly confess, that I cannot bear 
 the things they sing. Are Christian voices 
 intended to be used in such love songs and 
 Bacchanalian ditties ? I feel, at least, that / am 
 wrong in singing them ; I cannot think I do it to 
 God's glorv." 
 
 " But who thinks of the meaning of Italian 
 souks ? it is but so mauv svllablcs," said Frank. 
 
 " If I did not understand them I should never 
 have thought of it : I believe half the people 
 tiiat sing those things do not understand a word, 
 and they are no more to them than do, re, mi, & ; 
 but my Latin helps me a little; and then again, 
 those English things we sang last I did not 
 admire." 
 
 " It's very polite of you to condemn every one 
 else as you do," replied Frank. 
 
 " I do not condemn others," said Louis, 
 eagerly ; " I only know what is best for myself. 
 It others do not think there is any harm, there is 
 none, perhaps, for them ; but as I do, it cannot 
 be right for me. Do not think me unkind," 
 he added, earnestly; "you cannot tell how very 
 hard 1 have found it to say that 1 would not 
 go, if it were but for your sake. 1 knew you 
 would Dot see it, Frank, but that OUght not to 
 hinder me in doing wh;it I know is right for me. 
 I am too much influenced bv others, and now
 
 86 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Reginald and Hamilton are both gone, I confess 
 I am rather afraid of myself." 
 
 " But surely you can refuse to sing those things 
 you don't like ; there are plenty of harmless ones 
 besides." 
 
 Louis shook his head. " You know I had not 
 courage before, and I dare not hope I should 
 again, if I put myself in the way. We cannot 
 judge for one another, Frank. I feel that these 
 assemblies do not suit me, Frank, — that they dis- 
 tract me too much ; and I feel sure I ought not 
 to go." 
 
 " But," persisted Frank, " you sing heaps of 
 things of your own that I think are little, if any, 
 better than Mrs. Fraser's favourites." 
 
 "Well, I don't think them so," said Louis, 
 gently. " The right or wrong of an action 
 depends upon our feeling of it, often : if our 
 consciences cannot believe it right, it must be 
 wrong to us, even though all the world call it 
 harmless. I do not mean to say, Frank, that we 
 know all right and wrong by our feelings ; but if 
 we think a thing wrong, it becomes wrong to us. 
 I always try to ask myself when I am thinking of 
 doing anything, — Can I do this to God's glory ? 
 and if I cannot answer yes, I feel I ought not to 
 do it." 
 
 "Well, you've a right to your own way of 
 thinking," said Frank, shortly; "but like many 
 of your ways, it is rather an odd one. There 
 ought to be a new world for you saints."
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 8? 
 
 "There is an old madrigal we sing at home 
 sometimes," said Louis, "that expresses my feel 
 ings quite on love-sick poetry : — " 
 
 " ' Oh, that the learned poets of this time, 
 Who in a love-sick line so well can speak, 
 Would not consume good wits in hateful rhyme, 
 But with deep care some better subject seek : 
 For if their music please in earthly things, 
 How would it sound if strung with heavenly strings.' " 
 
 " Well, I suppose you have said all you have to 
 say," said Frank. 
 
 "Are we friends, Frank ?" said Louis, holding 
 out his hand. 
 
 Frank took it coldly, and then left the room. 
 For some days he and some of his adherents were 
 very cool towards Louis, till some quiet act of 
 self-denial charmed them out of their frigidity, 
 and his meekness was rewarded by a complete 
 '•i -toration to their favour.
 
 88 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 "Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation ; and 
 Thy right hand hath holden me up, and Thy gentleness hath 
 made me great. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that 
 my feet did not slip. 
 
 " My flesh and my heart faileth, but God is the strength of 
 my heart, and my portion for ever." — Psalms, xviii. 35, 36 ; 
 lxxiii. 26. 
 
 It was some days before Ferrers , summoned up 
 courage or found time to return Louis' call. 
 Louis had informed Dr. Wilkinson of all that had 
 passed, and had obtained his permission to give 
 Ferrers audience in the Doctor's private dining- 
 room. Dr. Wilkinson also invited Ferrers to 
 spend the evening with him, and subsequently 
 followed up all Louis' kind endeavours for his 
 benefit, by stimulating him, assisting his studies, 
 and cheering him, with the hope of doing some- 
 thing for the future for himself. 
 
 It must not, however, be supposed that the 
 Doctor encouraged these efforts of his old pupil 
 by the air-castles Louis drew of restoration to his 
 former state of life. The Doctor's, though less 
 delightful, was a more healthy view, when he set 
 before him contentment with his present lot, and 
 urged him to a desire of doing the work given
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOBY. 89 
 
 him in the station to which he had been so plainly 
 called. 
 
 Michaelmas, at length, arrived. Frank Digby 
 bade a final adieu to his school life, and entered at 
 Cambridge. Louis being now one of the elder 
 boys in the school, and having been a twelve- 
 month in the first class, his master stimulated him 
 to keep the first place there. There were one or 
 two in the class of greater industry and energy 
 than himself — of whom Charles Clifton was one, 
 — who save him considerable trouble in maintain- 
 ine this situation. Manv times he felt inclined 
 to yield the struggle, and only roused himself by 
 the reflection, " It is mv dutv," to continue the 
 contest, which was, though he was unconscious of 
 it, too much for his strength. He had grown 
 very fast for some months ; but Dr. Wilkinson 
 had become so accustomed to his attenuated figure 
 and pale face that they caused no anxiety, espe- 
 cially as his efforts were in no way relaxed ; 
 and knowing Louis' constitutional indolence and 
 dreaminess, he urged him on to renewed exer- 
 tions, in the hope of haying his favourite pupil 
 hifl head boy, knowing nothing of the little tinu 
 Louis took for recreation, — how constantly all, 
 and more than all, his spare time was given to 
 others, — how anxious he was to do all the good 
 that lav in his little sphere, — that, rather than 
 
 relinquish any of his plans of usefulness among 
 his younger schoolfellows, he often sat np in his 
 
 Own room an hour or two at night, and rose an
 
 90 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 hour earlier in the morning to prepare his own 
 lessons. In order to give him every advantage 
 in his power, Dr. Wilkinson often gave him 
 private lessons after school hours ; and this un- 
 ceasing routine at last brought its attendant train 
 of weariness, languor, violent headaches, and 
 sleepless nights. But, in spite of fits of yawning, 
 and greater disinclination than ever to general 
 exertion, Louis had now so thoroughly attained 
 to a habit of regular and constant employment, 
 and had so great a fear of neglecting any talent 
 committed to him, that he worked steadily and 
 patiently on, winning the respect and esteem of 
 all, and the warm love of many around him. The 
 second quarter was nearly over, the examination 
 papers were just given out, and Louis had been 
 consulting with idle Alfred one morning on his 
 plans of operation, and had dismissed him a few 
 minutes before the school-bell rang, to look over 
 a translation of a portion of the CEdipus Tyrannus 
 of Sophocles, which he had been rendering into 
 English verse. His head swam so much that he 
 could hardly decipher the letters, and, after a 
 vain attempt to collect his ideas or to guide his 
 pen, he laid it aside, and went into the open air 
 to revive himself. As he passed out of the school- 
 room, Alfred caught his hand. " You are ill, 
 Louis. I am sure you are. What can I get for 
 you ? " 
 
 " Only give me your shoulder a few minutes, 
 he replied, faintly. " Air, — I want air 
 
 IIUUXCS,
 
 DASHWOOD riUOiU J\ 
 
 " Open the door, Smith/' cried Alfred ; " Louis 
 is ill." 
 
 " Hallo, Mortimer ! " exclaimed Smith, as he 
 flung open the portal. " Are you your own 
 wraith? Why, man alive, what's come over 
 you? There, heaven's own breeze will refresh 
 you. You get too little of heaven's breezes. Why 
 don't you get out oftener?" 
 
 Louis thanked him with a smile, and with his 
 and Alfred's help got to a seat a little beyond 
 the door, and in a few minutes seemed much 
 better. 
 
 " What was the matter?" asked Smith, kindly. 
 " I'll tell Doctor you are not fit to come into 
 class this morning; you've got such white lips, 
 and look like a fainting lady. I'll tell you what, 
 Louis," he added, " you do too much and you're 
 not strong enough ; we've said so hundreds of 
 times — you're too good by far : when you've got 
 so much to do for yourself, you shouldn't do so 
 much for others ; flesh and blood won't stand it." 
 
 " I am sure I think enough of myself," replied 
 Louis. 
 
 " Lots of us wish we were like you in some 
 things," said Smith, " but it is not our nature, you 
 know ; I'll tell you what, Louis, — it is not ;m BSffj 
 thin- to go on steadily in the face of ridicule, 
 peraerering in doing all you can fc* i • ry one, 
 
 and I know that there is scarcely I of tin felloWfl 
 
 that has laughed at you, that doesn't feel how 
 
 much better you are than any of us, and doesn't
 
 92 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 wish to be like you, because yours isn't all talk, 
 like some people's religion." 
 
 " Are you better, Mortimer ? " asked several 
 voices. 
 
 He was presently surrounded by several mem- 
 bers of the first class. — " What's the matter ? " 
 
 " Thank you, I am quite well, now," said Louis, 
 rising. " There's the school-bell. How kind you 
 all are." 
 
 " Come, that's a good story ! You are sarcastic 
 this morning," said another. 
 
 " Come, St. Louis, take my arm," said a third ; 
 " you're a good sort of fellow, in spite of your 
 methodism. You look more like heaven than 
 earth at present. I think your mother will say 
 the holidays don't come too soon." 
 
 Louis protested that he was quite well again, 
 and they proceeded to the class-room, and soon 
 the business of the day commenced. Louis took 
 his place as head of the first class, and began to 
 read aloud his poetical translation. He had pro- 
 ceeded nearly half through, when the paper ceased 
 to be legible, the same misty swimming of the 
 head returning ; and scarcely conscious of an ex- 
 clamation from his master and class-fellows in a 
 breath, he fell insensible on the floor, his fall a 
 little broken by Smith, who stood near him. 
 
 A scene of confusion ensued, and when Louis 
 opened his eyes, he found himself supported in his 
 master's arms, raised upon two chairs near the 
 open window; one or two servants, and Mrs.
 
 DASHW00D PRIORY. 93 
 
 Wilkinson near him with cold water and other 
 restoratives. The first words he heard before he 
 opened his eyes were from his master : " Poor 
 fellow ! I ought to have guarded against this; he 
 is quite overdone." Louis tried to speak, but was 
 only able to turn a look of earnest affection on 
 his master, deprecating his self-accusation. 
 
 It was many minutes before he could speak so 
 as to be intelligible. The utmost concern was on 
 the faces of all present; one of the servants was 
 lying, and his schoolfellows stood in a kind of 
 awestruck silence, looking as if they never ex- 
 pected him to move again. 
 
 Dr. \Yilkinson spoke cheerfully to him, and as 
 soon as he appeared strong enough, proposed his 
 removal to the drawing-room sofa. He had just 
 strength enough to reach it, with the joint assist- 
 ance of the Doctor and one of his schoolfellows, 
 when he fainted again. Dr. "Wilkinson sent im- 
 mediately for the medical man, and was seriously 
 alarmed at the length of this second fit. It was 
 more than an hour before Smith, who had run 
 full speed for the doctor, returned, and by this 
 time Louis was better, and comfortablv established 
 iiear the drawing-room fire, with a warm Bhaw] 
 Of Mrs. Wilkinson's over his feet. The Doctor 
 
 hail been obliged to leave him, but Mrs. Wilkin- 
 son was sitting by him, and caring most tenderly 
 
 lor all his possible wants. He laj very quietly 
 
 gasing out of the window, almost too weak to 
 
 wonder how he came there.
 
 94 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Well, my young friend, I hear a curious tale 
 of you. Who ever heard of a school-boy fainting ?" 
 said the medical gentleman. "You are better 
 now, are you not V* 
 
 Louis smiled. 
 
 " He is very weak, Mr. Whalley," said Mrs. 
 Wilkinson. 
 
 The doctor sat down by Louis, and after hearing 
 all that was to be heard, cheerfully took his leave, 
 promising to send some medicine, and, asking to see 
 Dr. Wilkinson in another room, shook hands with 
 the invalid. Louis looked very sorrowfully at him. 
 
 "What do you mean to ask by that earnest 
 look?" said the gentleman. 
 
 " Am I in danger ?" 
 
 " I thought so," replied Mr. Whalley, kindly. 
 "No, cheer up; you want taking care of. 
 You must put by Latin and Greek, and all the 
 E. D. for a time, and I hope we shall soon see 
 ' Richard himself again.' You were never very 
 robust, I believe ; I shall order the very accept- 
 able prescription of home for you as soon as you 
 are a little better; but don't frighten yourself, 
 there's no danger." 
 
 Louis' pale countenance flushed, and he 
 clasped his hands. "I am very foolish," he 
 murmured inwardly ; " but, oh my Father, my 
 heart and flesh faileth." 
 
 Mr. Whalley wished him good-bye and left the 
 room ; and soon calmed and pacified, Louis fell 
 into a quiet sleep.
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 95 
 
 Mr. Whalley advised that his parents should be 
 written to, and that he should be removed as soon 
 as possible. " He wants perfect rest and quiet ; 
 and a mother's sympathy will be the best thing 
 for him : I do not think his lungs are affected, 
 but in his weak state I should advise Torquay or 
 the Isle of "Wight for the winter. He seems a 
 delicate plant, but they often weather a storm 
 that splits the tree." 
 
 Nothing could exceed the kindness and atten- 
 tion shown to Louis by his master and Mrs. Wil- 
 kinson. He was removed to a light and prettily- 
 furnished room on a cheerful side of the house, 
 away from all noise, and here he lay the greater 
 part of the day, being carried down in the evening 
 to the drawing-room sofa. His weakness was so 
 excesMvc that a sudden noise would bring on a 
 fainting fit, and Dr. Wilkinson would not allow 
 him to risk anything by walking to the drawing- 
 room. It was the middle of the third day alter 
 Ins first attack that his parents arrived, and were 
 almost immediately shown up into his room. 
 He was asleep, and they stood for some time 
 looking silently on his thin white face, noticing 
 his sunken eyes, with the black rings around 
 them, and his long white fingers that lay on the 
 bed-clothes. Before he awoke tiny retired out of 
 sight, that he might be quietly informed of their 
 
 arrival; for quietly as it was told him it was 
 
 almost too much for him. 
 
 It W8J several days before he was strong enough
 
 96 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 to be removed, even to Clifton, where Mr. Mortimer 
 had taken lodgings in Louis' favourite crescent. 
 During these few days Mr. Mortimer mixed now 
 and then with the boys, and on every side he 
 heard, from masters and pupils, the praises of his 
 dear boy. Alfred, whose grief was excessive, had 
 a general invitation to come to York-crescent 
 whenever Dr. Wilkinson would allow him. At 
 length Louis was removed, and when in the 
 crescent, by the instrumentality of careful nursing 
 and daily airings, he gradually grew strong enough 
 to take a longer journey, and by the united advice 
 of several medical men, he set out for Torquay 
 one fine day in the middle of December. There 
 was then no railway between Bristol and Exeter, 
 and their journey was performed in a post-chaise. 
 Louis had been very much depressed for some 
 days before his departure, and this morning he 
 was more so than ever. He felt he could not 
 confess to his parents why he dreaded the change, 
 and how the name of Torquay sounded as a knell 
 to him. Long had he knelt that morning in 
 prayer that it might be his Heavenly Father's will 
 that he might recover his strength ; earnestly had 
 lie pleaded the tears and effectual petition of 
 Hezekiah ; like him he had Avept sore ; and then 
 he felt that his will was unsubdued, and he 
 mourned that he could not rejoice in the thought 
 of that glorious deliverance from sin and the body 
 of death. All his thoughts seemed dark and 
 sorrowful, and all he cguld .say was, " O Lord !
 
 D.YsJlWOOD PRIORY. 97 
 
 send out Thy light and truth ; let them lead me. 
 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Thou seest 
 through a glass darkly." And in the midst of 
 all he could say, tremblingly, " Though I walk 
 in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me." 
 And was this fainting confidence confounded? 
 Oh, how precious is that promise that the tender 
 
 iour will not break even the bruised reed. 
 Louis often thought of those sweet words in 
 Isaiah, ""Who is among you that feareth the 
 Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that 
 walketh iu darkness, and hath no light ? let him 
 trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his 
 God." " The enemy cried out fast" against him, 
 but underneath the fainting child of God are 
 '• the everlasting arms," even when he sees them 
 not ; and in his greatest despondency he had a 
 Mire hope, that all things shall work together for 
 
 >d to them that love God. "I will bring her 
 into the valley of Achor, and there will I speak 
 comfortably (to her heart) ;" and during these 
 18 of trouble, who shall say how often and 
 how sweetly the Lord speaks to the hearts of His 
 own. It was with a chastened and trusting, 
 though yet not joyful spirit, that Louis left 
 tin ■ of his silent, communings. "I will 
 
 trust, and not be afraid," was the reiterated 
 Uu of his heart: "Though He slay me, 
 
 • will I trust in Him." His lather tenderly 
 assisted him down the long flight of steps from 
 the terrace to the chaise, and tl the door 
 
 ii
 
 98 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 stood poor Ferrers. He shrank back a little as 
 Mr. Mortimer approached ; but Louis caught sight 
 of him, and stopping, he held out his hand with 
 a smile. 
 
 "This is very kind of you, Ferrers. This is 
 my schoolfellow, William Ferrers, father." 
 
 Mr. Mortimer made some kind remarks, but 
 he was anxious to get his son into the carriage, 
 and shortened the interview. 
 
 " Will you write to me, Ferrers ? " asked Louis, 
 when he was seated. 
 
 " I shall be very glad," said Ferrers, shortly. 
 He attempted to say something, but seemed 
 unable, and, putting a little parcel into Louis' 
 hand, he walked away at a rapid rate. Louis' 
 father and mother were both struck with his 
 agitated manner, but they made no remark on 
 it to Louis just then. They made him take pos- 
 session of one seat in the carriage, and bolstered 
 him up comfortably with cushions. As the car- 
 riage passed in front of Clifton church, Louis 
 raised himself, and gazed earnestly on the magni- 
 ficent view. 
 
 " I think," said his mother, " that is the finest 
 peep in Clifton." 
 
 "I think so too," replied Louis, quietly; and a 
 moment after he added, " Oh, mamma ! what a 
 thing it is to live ! "What a world this would be, 
 if there were no sin ! I cannot think that there 
 can be a more beautiful place than this world, 
 when the sons of God shouted at its creation !
 
 DASHWOOD l'KIOKY. O'J 
 
 !Poes not everything Beem crying, ' Conic, Lord 
 Jesus I' AVlan lie comes, there shall be no more 
 sorrow, nor crying, nor death ; the inhabitants 
 shall not say f I am sick/ and they shall all be 
 righteous." 
 
 " ' The earnest expectation of the creature wait- 
 eth for the manifestation of the sons of God/" 
 said Mr. Mortimer. 
 
 " Oh, father ! " said Louis, earnestly, " I 
 as if I could never get beyond that verse in that 
 chapter. It seems as if that verse went up with 
 ry to God like the cry of the children of 
 [srael. 'The whole creation groaneth and tra- 
 vailcth, and ourselves also, that have received I 
 iiii -fruits of the Spirit/ " 
 
 " ' Though the virion tarry, wait for it/ " 6 
 his mother : " ' In the end it shall come.' 'lie 
 that believeth in the Lord shall not make haste, 
 neither shall he he eonfounded/ Louis." 
 
 "But you should look to the end of the cb 
 
 . and lean on the glorious conclusion/' said 
 li father. "'What shall separate us from 
 love of Christ?' lie hath loved us with : .1 
 everlasting love, and nothing can separate us. 
 "Though clouds and darkness an iuin.il 
 
 Him, yet righl and judgment are the 
 
 habitation of His throne/ !!<• is faithful, 
 
 dear hoy ; 11- can iy himself. in < !hr 
 
 - implete, and altogether Lovely in I 
 1 He 1 .' thoughts thai He 1 
 
 to and not of evil. And 
 
 11 2
 
 100 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 now, my boy, you must rest quietly, and think of 
 these precious truths. Let His "word be the joy 
 and rejoicing of your heart." 
 
 Louis did as desired ; and it seemed as if his 
 father had comprehended the state of his mind, 
 for the thoughts of peace found a resting-place in 
 his mind, and he lay still in calm happiness, and 
 neither spoke nor moved till the first stage was 
 completed. 
 
 When they were comfortably housed that night 
 in the best inn in Bridgewater, he enlarged a 
 little to his father on Ferrers's history, and opened 
 the little parcel, which he found contained an old 
 edition of Watts' s " Happiness of Separate Spirits." 
 In the envelope were a few lines. 
 
 " Dear Louis, — 
 " You wished to see this book a short time ago. 
 I could not get a new edition, and I have been a 
 long time hunting in the old-book shops for this. 
 I am glad I have found it at last, and I know I 
 need not apologize for its antiquity. May Tor- 
 quay do all that your friends must wish. 
 
 " Yours gratefully, 
 
 " W. Ferrers." 
 
 Louis could not talk enough of Ferrers's kind- 
 ness in hunting about for this book. It is to be 
 remarked, generally, that they who think they 
 cannot do enough for others, always esteem most 
 gratefully a little service done to themselves.
 
 DASHWOOD PIUORV. 101 
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 '■ Whom liave I in Heaven but Thee {" 
 
 T must now beg my reader to accompany me to a 
 pretty and convenient Low-built house, surrounded 
 bj a nice Little garden, which stands at one extre- 
 mity of a small sweeping bay at Torquay. The 
 house i> built so close to the water's edge, that at 
 high water the sea comes up to the garden rail- 
 ings : and here, upon the rustic garden-seats, have 
 invalids, time out of mind, watched the rise and 
 fall of the roaring sea. I do not know it sunl- 
 it ly well to describe it more accurately, thai 
 it may be recognised as the temporary dwelling- 
 place of Louis Mortimer and Vernon Digby, — foj 
 \ • rnon, with bis father, mother, and eldest sister, 
 were there awaiting Louis' arrival. 
 
 Vernon's cruise on the Mediterranean bad 
 apparently restored Ins health, after the violent 
 attack alluded to in a former chapter ; but all his 
 friends bad been very anxious thai he Bhould 
 forego the Michaelmas and Christmas terms,! 
 in the eyes of many, there was still considerable 
 delicacy about him. Vernon would, bowev< 
 iii ar "j" MD further nursing, as the doctors bad 
 kounced him well. A Little cough, small
 
 102 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 appetite, and obvious restlessness, had made his 
 father rather uneasy on his return for the Christ- 
 mas vacation ; and though no danger was appre- 
 hended by the consulting physician, Devonshire 
 was recommended, as Vernon said, " just to please 
 Sir Francis ; " and it was agreed that the invalids 
 should share the same lodgings in the same 
 locality. 
 
 It was about five o'clock in the evening when 
 the Mortimers arrived at their new abode. Sir 
 Francis and Lady Digby, with their children, 
 were at the garden-gate to receive them, and 
 Vernon almost lifted his cousin from the carriage 
 into the house. The fire was blazing cheerfully, 
 the curtains drawn, and a luxurious-looking sofa 
 near the fire for Louis. Candles were lighted, 
 — and a piano in the room, with plenty of books 
 and elegancies, gave it quite a home appear- 
 ance. 
 
 " How snug you are," exclaimed Mrs. Morti- 
 mer ; " I think I shall always send you as pioneers 
 when I want lodgings. This makes us feel quite 
 cheerful at once, does it not, Louis ?" 
 
 " Louis looks quite doly, as we say in Yorkshire," 
 remarked Vernon, who had by this time placed 
 his cousin on the sofa, and with Charlotte's assist- 
 ance was divesting him of his wrappings. " What 
 Egyptian mummies our fond mothers make of us, 
 Louis, poor emancipated infidels as we are, as an 
 old man once said of himself near us. You don't 
 look quite emaciated, yet, as a body may say; as
 
 DASHWOOD PEIOBT. 103 
 
 for me, me void ! tout-a-fait yros. I am afraid I 
 cannot even clear my throat, I am so well." 
 
 Louis was too much exhausted to do more than 
 -mile, and Vernon continued his attentions with 
 erful discretion, while Lady Digby pointed out 
 the convenience of their new house to her sister. 
 
 " Look here," she said, opening a door into an 
 adjoining room, where a lire sent forth a cheerful 
 flicker ; " here is Louis' room ; he will not have 
 far to go, and yours opens out of it. Poor dear 
 fellow ! I thought it would be so convenient for 
 him. We have two sitting-rooms besides this, 
 and we will leave him in possession when he 
 cannot bear our voice ; you shall see our rooms 
 to-morrow ; you are too tired for further inspec- 
 tion to-night. I hope Torquay will do all for 
 Louis that it has done for Vernon; not that I ever 
 thought there was much the matter with him 
 when he came home, only a little cough, and now 
 that seems quite to have left him. Dear boy, he 
 has such excellent spirits; but his father is angry 
 very often that he docs not take proper care of 
 himself, lie wants such constant watchful]] 
 not v out too long in the afternoon, and will 
 
 go into the garden without hi t-coat, and I 
 
 m afraid he over-fat igues himself sonietin 
 
 ogh Dr. L. says moderate exercise will Dot 
 hurl him." 
 
 •• lie is looking well," said Mrs. Mortimer. 
 
 "Yes, he is; we arc gTOWD quite old-fashioned 
 
 folks. Dr. L. Bays Vei hould dine early, so
 
 104 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 we all dine at one, and take tea at six. Francis 
 adopts it quite merrily; he is so wrapped up in 
 Vernon, I think he would do anything for his 
 good. "Will our hours suit you? I am so glad 
 we are together; we shall be so happy." 
 
 " I hope so, dear," said Mrs. Mortimer. There 
 was a tear in her eye as she spoke, and she glanced 
 fearfully at the half-open door, through the open- 
 ing of which she saw her dear son languidly resting 
 against a mass of pillows, while Charlotte and 
 Vernon were bringing him tea from the larger 
 table to a smaller one by his sofa. " My boy is 
 so ill, Beatrice." 
 
 Lady Digby soothed and reassured her as much 
 as she was able, and as soon as possible led her 
 again into the cheerful parlour, where they found 
 Louis much refreshed by his tea. 
 
 It was some time before Louis recovered from 
 the effects of his journey ; for many days he seemed 
 so much the worse for the change from Clifton, 
 that the worst fears were entertained for him; 
 even the medical man holding out but little hopes 
 of his recovery. He did not rise till the middle 
 of the day, and was then carried into the sitting- 
 room, where he lay quietly on the sofa, hardly 
 changing his position, tranquilly watching the 
 movements of those around him, and occasionally 
 reading a little. Vernon's care and sympathy was 
 almost beautiful — active and lively as he was, he 
 would often sit an hour at a time on a low seat at 
 his cousin's sofa ; as quiet as the tenderest nurse,
 
 DASHWOOD TRIOUV. LOS 
 
 sometimes bathing his head with cau de Cologne, 
 and at others volunteering to read — an offer which 
 Louis often gratefully accepted ; for there was 
 something in the gentle sound of Vernon's musical 
 voice and perfect intonation, that delighted his 
 fastidious invalid taste, and soothed his more rest- 
 I 9 moments. Among other books, Ferrers's gift 
 was one often chosen; and one day, after coming 
 to the concluding paragraph a second time, Vernon 
 remarked, — 
 
 "It was a master mind that wrote this, Louis ; 
 
 I don't know when I have met with a sermon thai 
 lias delighted me so much." 
 
 " Then you are not tired of reading it so often, 
 dear Vernon?" 
 
 "By no mean-, even were your subjects less 
 fascinating. It does a poor careless sinner like 
 myself £ood to be forced to dwell sometimes on 
 serious topics, Louis, and I will not say but that 
 your little innocent comments have made me 
 think." 
 
 "Oh, Vernon ! /make you think?" exclaimed 
 Louis, raising himself from the pillow, with a 
 slight flush of pleasure in his face. "You are so 
 far superior to me, I have thought so very often of 
 your kindness in sitting down reading to me hour 
 after hour as yon do." 
 
 " Conic, COme," said \ enmn. " m\ niothci 
 
 II vet allows me tO read an hour at a time." 
 
 •• But put the times together," said Louis i 
 
 "the benefit is mine, \ emeu."
 
 106 DASHWOOD FRIORY. 
 
 " Will you not allow that I may have some in 
 reading those magnificent chapters in Isaiah and 
 Ezekiel you chose yesterday, to say nothing of the 
 other in St. Luke?" asked Vernon. "And I tell 
 you, Louis, why your remarks do make me think. 
 They are not cut and dried as though you had been 
 making a sermon for my edification ; they come I 
 knoAv from the fulness of your heart, not to teach 
 me : you speak because you cannot help it. I 
 should be too proud to be taught, perhaps ; but I 
 must be arrested sufficiently to wonder where 
 your simple wisdom comes from." 
 
 Louis' eyes glistened, and his heart swelled with 
 wondering gratitude to Him who maketh any 
 man's words of power. He did not speak, and 
 Vernon absently stirred the fire, and then thought- 
 fully gazing into its depths, continued — 
 
 "To return to Watts, Louis, it has a strange 
 fascination about it. It makes one wish to be 
 freed from the trammels of our bodies. What an 
 idea to have the wide expanse of immeasurable 
 thought and illimitable space spread before you — 
 a free unfettered being — an enlarged capacity both 
 of comprehension and enjoyment, and all the 
 treasures of knowledge and science within the 
 delighted grasp, and with all, ceaseless untiring 
 activity, and all — why it seems like the infinity of 
 the works of nature, too vast for thought — what 
 a heaven ! " 
 
 Louis listened to his cousin with animation in 
 the beginning of his speech, but his expression
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 107 
 
 became very grave as he concluded, and he replied 
 very seriously, — 
 
 ■ And yet, dear cousin, I almost, nay I am sure, 
 we do not think alike on the happiness of heaven." 
 
 'As how?" asked Vernon, turning quickly 
 round : "Did you not say that the idea was very 
 delightful of being constantly employed, and of 
 having employment suited to our different dis- 
 positions and tastes? Did you not say your 
 childish idea of heaven was what mine was, I 
 remember; a large room made of clouds, with 
 angels sitting in rows playing harps for ever and 
 ever? and I remember, when a child of five years 
 old, checking a thought which I fancied was 
 sinful, that I should be very tired of sitting 
 playing a harp for ever; and I believe, Louis, we 
 carry to manhood more of our childish preposses- 
 sions than we are aware of — crude, undigested 
 notions on many subjects, and on none more than 
 -in religions subjects. Your favourite, Watts, has 
 overleaped the limits usually placed before our 
 inn gi nations, and has given his readers something 
 tangible on which to fix their idea--; something to 
 
 wish for; something to aspire to in the world 
 to come. Wherein should we differ? ^ e are 
 
 reed in liking the same ideas, and I coni 
 that the name of the old Calvinist prejudiced me 
 againsl him before ! commenced." 
 
 ■ 1 must say," replied Louis, " thai I cannol 
 much difference in your aspirations after 
 
 heaven and those of the Mai . \ em
 
 108 DASKWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Vernon opened his month and eyes. " Make 
 that good, Louis, and perhaps you may gain a 
 convert." 
 
 " You would laugh at the idea of a heaven of 
 houries, wine-cups, and pleasure-gardens, Vernor /' 
 answered Louis ; " your intellectual and more 
 refined nature would make you despise such 
 inducements, if you could believe them ; but do 
 you not make a heaven of those things in which 
 you do delight? Do you not, dear Vernon, make a 
 god of intellectual enjoyment ? and is it not 
 because you feel that such a heaven as Watts 
 describes would be the very essence of ethereal 
 lofty intelligence, that you esteem it as something 
 you are capable of loving and understanding? 
 One thing you said made me think this : you 
 speak of the works of Nature ; you speak of 
 knowledge and comprehension; of unfettered 
 being; but you never spoke of Him, — Nature's 
 God, — of Him whom it is His people's delight to 
 serve, whose glory is the theme and object of all 
 His servants' works and songs. His servants shall 
 serve Him, and everything there is subservient to 
 His glory." 
 
 " Why you quibble, Louis," said Vernon, 
 colouring ; " of course, I acknowledge all this when 
 I agree to your author's sentiments." 
 
 " No you do not," said Louis, very decidedly. 
 
 The cousins' eyes met fully; Vernon looked 
 confused, and for a moment rather angry. It was 
 but for a moment ; for he said presently : —
 
 DASHWOOD I'KIOKV. 10D 
 
 ' Well then, philosopher, what different aspeet 
 - heaven wear to you '.-" 
 
 •■ Were I in heaven without my God, 
 'Twould be no joy to me," 
 
 replied Louis, solemnly. " My heaven is the 
 presence of God, the consequent freedom from 
 Bin ; the joy of being constantly with my beloved 
 Saviour; no longer seeing through a glass darkly, 
 but face to face. Then it is a joy to think of 
 being always actively employed in His service, 
 to be always associated with those who esteem 
 nothing of any moment but the glory of God; 
 and oh ' how delightful to meet our dear friends, 
 and to talk with them of all the love that brought 
 us safely there." 
 
 "We have different minds/' said Vernon. 
 undecidedly. 
 
 Louis looked at his cousin anxiously and sadly. 
 Vernon presently asked, — 
 
 •• Do von ever feel afraid of dying?" 
 
 "1 may well be asked that question now, dear 
 Vernon/' he answered calmly. "I am not now 
 afraid of death; and I do not think since 1 was ;i 
 child I have feared that Christ would receive me 
 for 1 1 is own sake; but I have been very sorrowful 
 
 at the idea of leaving all and dying 80 J Oling. It 
 is a beautiful world, and there are many things 
 
 i know, Vernon, many hopes of usefulni 
 and then death looks dark sometimes when our 
 
 bodily weakness puts a cloud between US and 
 
 Christ. I do not know w hy a Christian should
 
 110 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 shrink from that which will place him in his 
 Saviour's bosom, but it was so — I was very 
 unbelieving and sorrowful ; but that is gone now, 
 quite gone. I think I am willing, and I trust 
 desirous, to depart and be with Christ ; and 7ny 
 hope is as fair and unclouded as the blue summei 
 sky. Thank God ! He has made me feel His will 
 is best." 
 
 Vernon's countenance showed much emotion, 
 and he did not trust himself to look at Louis as 
 he replied, " But things are not so bad as that, 
 Louis ; I did not mean that." 
 
 Louis smiled and shook his head. 
 
 "Nay, but you must not give way to such 
 gloomy thoughts." 
 
 " They are not gloomy, Vernon : they are the 
 stay and joy of my heart." 
 
 Vernon did not speak, and a few minutes after 
 their tete-a-tete was disturbed by the entrance of 
 the rest of the party from their walk.
 
 DASI1W00D PK10B.Y. Ill 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 we have many members in one body, and all members 
 have not the same office; so are one body in 
 
 Christ, and everyone members one of another." — Bom. xii. 4, 5. 
 
 Vernon's cough bad entirely disappeared, and 
 appetite being recovered, Dr. L. pronounced him 
 sufficiently well to return to Cambridge. A few 
 days after the conversation detailed in the previous 
 chapter, Reginald arrived, and this, together with 
 the knowledge of the pleasure his company • 
 to Louis, induced Vernon to prolong his stay . 
 Torquay until the end of the; vacation. Sir Francis 
 was, however, quite tired out, and Mr. Mortimer 
 found it necessary to return to Daslnvood; and 
 no immediate danger appeared to threaten Lon 
 li«- set off with Sir Francis. Vernon and Reginald 
 wi usual, constant companions when Lot 
 
 ■ he alone, and Reginald was autious 
 
 be bad often to be di »m. 
 
 'I'll . long walks and ride 
 
 available nook, and piloted Lady Digby and 
 Charli ionally to 
 
 t be weather was fine, ] lit in a 
 
 h chair, and er, hi 
 
 ided tu .. length that alio 
 
 his in bh<
 
 112 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 more moderate walks, one or the other taking 
 alternately the station by his chair. 
 
 " I declare it is.enough to kill an invalid, to meet 
 the number of wan, broken-down looking- persons 
 we see in the chairs here," exclaimed Reginald 
 one day to his mother, as they strolled along 
 together some distance behind LomV chair. " I 
 don't think it affects Louis ; he is really less low- 
 spirited than usual." 
 
 "Dr. L. says his happy state of mind is the 
 best chance for him," said Mrs. Mortimer, " and I 
 almost hope he is a little better." 
 
 " Dr. L. seems fond of him," said Reginald. 
 " He is an excellent Christian." 
 
 " He is," replied Mrs. Mortimer. " I have 
 often thought, Reginald, that it is a great mis- 
 take to imagine that every man who desires to 
 work the work of God must belong to the ministry 
 of the Church. I really think a medical man is 
 often able to do more for the souls of others than 
 a clergyman. • He has often access where a cler- 
 gyman cannot enter, and his word is revered so 
 much in times of sickness. Then, again, you 
 remember Captain Stoke? His aunt once said 
 to mc, ' He is so pious, it is a pity he did not go 
 into the Church, he ought to have been a clergy- 
 man. He takes such pains with the soldiers of 
 his regiment; he has taught them a number of 
 innocent songs and many hymns, which they sing 
 among themselves; and he visits their families, 
 assembles them for prayer, and looks after the ob-
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 113 
 
 servance of the Sabbath among them/ This v, 
 Avliilc he was in India. Could he have done so 
 much had he been a clergyman ? I thought it, 
 
 (led no comment — that man's place was plainly 
 in the army, and not in the ministry of the 
 Church. But who is that stopping Louis' chair 
 now'.'"' she added, looking anxiously forward. 
 "That must not be. Hurry on, Reginald, and 
 tell them they must move forward." 
 
 Reginald ran on as desired, and very soon 
 reached the chair. A group was formed around 
 it, of which the cynosure was a stranger, whose 
 form seemed verv familiar to Reginald from a 
 distance, and on reaching him, was immediately 
 recognised as that appertaining to Hamilton. 
 The meeting was very pleasant for all parties; 
 and as it turned out that Hamilton had paid a 
 visit to Torquay expressly to see Louis, he was 
 invited by ?drs. Mortimer to take up his abode 
 in their cottage for a few days. His arrival was 
 a great delight to Louis, and his manner and 
 expressions were so quiet, and he was so amenable 
 
 every hint respecting the invalid, that Mrs 
 Mortimer was glad to have him in the house. 
 There were more walks than ever now, 
 Hamilton's p< of walking were only equalled 
 
 by Reginald' Vernon returned from one or 
 two excursions so •■ <\vm\ beat/ to use Et< 
 aald'a expression, — that both hia mother and 
 aunt strongly dissuaded him from undertaking 
 
 any more. 
 
 i
 
 114 DASHWOOD PRionr. 
 
 " Take Charlotte with vou this afternoon." said 
 Lady Digby, " and then you can return when you 
 feel tired. Remember, you must not tire her." 
 
 "Oh, mamma!" exclaimed Charlotte, "he is 
 ao disgusted. What immense bores sisters are ! — 
 are they not, Vernon ? " 
 
 " To be sure , and you more than all," an- 
 swered Vernon, kissing her. " But, come, I won't 
 object to the incumbrance this afternoon, if 
 Reginald and Hamilton don't, and I fully appre- 
 ciate mamma's affection for her son in permitting 
 you to go under our charge." 
 
 Of course, the two gentlemen were only too 
 proud of Charlotte's company ; and they set off 
 with many injunctions not to be out late. 
 
 " I think a fog is coming on," said Mrs. 
 Mortimer. 
 
 " Remember, dear, the evenings close in soon," 
 said Lady Digby, " and Dr. L. says a great deal 
 about night air. You must not get a cough 
 again ; your father will think I have been very 
 careless." 
 
 " Remember, you are not too strong yet," said 
 Dr. L., who entered the garden as Vernon left 
 it; "three quarters of an hour is enough; the 
 evening will be foggy." 
 
 " Oh, ay ! I remember. Hadn't you better 
 give me a large blanket, mamma?" he called out. 
 " What Molly Coddles our fond mothers and these 
 croaking old doctors make of one, don't they, 
 Hamilton ?"
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 11." 
 
 Hamilton either did not hear, or did not feel 
 inclined to notice the appeal, and they went 
 merrily on. Their walk lay along the beach, and 
 they passed point after point, forgetting in their 
 amusing talk how far they had already come, 
 when Charlotte reminded her brother of the 
 time. 
 
 "Yon are right/' said Reginald, suddenly look- 
 ing round. "It's getting dark; come, Vernon, 
 we'll all go back together." 
 
 " I am not a bit tired. I want to show Lottie 
 the spring we found the other day, as we are so 
 far. Why, what walkers we've been! I had no 
 idea we had come so far." 
 
 " Nor any idea how late it is," said Hamilton. 
 "Every ten minutes will be of consequence now, 
 Vernon. It will be dark in another hour, and we 
 have been (me coming here." 
 
 " Oh, Vernon ! mamma will be so anxious," 
 said Charlotte. "Let us come back." 
 
 •• Anxious," said Vernon. " Mamma's obliged 
 
 to be careful, because the doctor is; but she is 
 
 y much on my side, after all. I am a very 
 
 determined person. 1 must go on to the Bpring 
 
 HOW. We can walk a little faster and make up 
 for the loss of tin. 
 
 •■ You must go by yourself, then," said Reginald, 
 stoutly. " We will not; eh, Hamilton?" 
 .inly not." 
 
 Vernon endeavoured to drag Charlotte along, 
 
 and then made a feint of sett in g off by himself; but 
 
 i 2
 
 116 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 finding that no one stirred, he laughingly ac- 
 quiesced in their arrangement. 
 
 They had not gone very far before Hamilton, 
 who had been very silent for some minutes, ex- 
 claimed, " The fog is coming down rapidly. In 
 another ten minutes we shall not be able to see 
 our way an inch. Quick; the tide's coming up 
 very fast. There's no time to lose. Miss Digby, 
 we have all been very careless." 
 
 " Never fear," replied Vernon ; " I always get 
 out of my scrapes comfortably, and we are alto- 
 gether." 
 
 They hurried on, scarcely speaking. In less 
 than a quarter of an hour the fog, like a dark 
 curtain, spread over the sea and land, completely 
 hiding their way from the pedestrians, and for 
 some little while they cautiously proceeded, hardly 
 daring to move a step. 
 
 " Let us keep close by the rock," said Hamilton. 
 " Where is Miss Digby ?" 
 
 The curiously muffled sound of Hamilton's 
 voice sounded unpleasantly on their ears. He 
 was a little in advance, and on Charlotte's reply, 
 stepped back, and putting her hand in his arm, 
 carefully walked in the direction of the cliffs till 
 he touched them, his voice guiding the others to 
 follow him. They now proceeded as quickly as 
 the obscurity would allow, feeling their way till 
 they reached one of the points they had passed 
 previously, and were about to double it, when 
 Reginald cried out, " Here is water. Good
 
 DASHWOOD PEIORT. 117 
 
 heavens, Hamilton, we are lost; the tide's up 
 here." 
 
 There was a pause. Charlotte's hand trembled 
 on Hamilton's arm. "Can you see the light- 
 house'.-'" she asked. "Are we near the light- 
 house ? " 
 
 " AVc must be very near to see it, in this fog/' 
 replied Reginald. 
 
 " We must try and mount the cliff," said 
 Vernon. "Or stay, Hamilton; take care of 
 Charlotte one moment, don't stir till I coim 
 bark." 
 
 "Where are you going?" 
 
 " To find our best way," replied Vernon. 
 
 It was useless to attempt to stay him : the ut- 
 most he would do was to consult a moment or two, 
 and to allow Reginald to share his difficulties; 
 and it was agreed that Hamilton should remain 
 with Charlotte, while \ Ynton attempted to clam- 
 ber round the point to ascertain whether the 
 water had risen to the inner curve of the ne\t 
 bay, and Reginald was to climb the cliff, and find 
 out the best footing above. Charlotte did not 
 ak a word; but words could not express the 
 prayerful thoughts that filled both her and 
 
 ; 11 lit < ni's mind as they stood alone for the nest 
 
 few moments, ttwaa no1 long before the welcome 
 sound of Vernon's voice, and then Reginald's, 
 hailed them from a little distance above. 
 "Cheer up. It's a little hit of an easy ascent, 
 
 and th »und here. I am eouii.
 
 118 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 down to lead you. There's a house close at hand, 
 and a light to cheer you." 
 
 Another minute, and both the pioneers were 
 within arm's length of Charlotte and Hamilton, 
 and after a few seconds' confabulation, Charlotte 
 was cautiously assisted up the ascent by Hamilton 
 and her brother. She trembled so violently, that 
 when they had gone a few yards, Vernon caught 
 her in his arms, and hurried up the remainder of 
 the way he had previously explored to the little 
 house, and set her down breathless at the door. 
 The way proved very easy, and they were all soon 
 in the kitchen of the descried refuge, and here, to 
 their great alarm, Charlotte, when the fear was 
 over, had a fit of hysterics. It was some little 
 while before she was sufficiently recovered to be 
 taken home; but before the light covered cart, 
 which they were happy enough to procure here, 
 was ready, Reginald hurried home with a boy 
 and lantern, to relieve his aunt's and mother's 
 minds. 
 
 At length the whole party were fairly on their 
 way, the driver holding the horse's head with one, 
 and a lantern with the other hand. Vernon, 
 rather exhausted with his exertions, sat back in a 
 corner, and close by him was Charlotte with her 
 head leaning on his shoulder, while his arm sup- 
 ported her. Hamilton was in the opposite corner, 
 profoundly silent. 
 
 As the cart at length drew up in front of the 
 cottage, and nearly all the inmates of the house
 
 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 115) 
 
 rushed out with candle aud lamp to rejoice over 
 them, Charlotte raised herself with a deep sigh, 
 and Hamilton, who had already dismounted, 
 assisted her carefully down to her mother. Ver- 
 non followed with rather less alacrity than usual, 
 and as he emerged from his sheltered corner, and 
 drew a deep breath of the thick heavy air, he 
 was painfully sensible of a sharp sensation in his 
 chest, as if a knife had been drawn across. It 
 was but momentary, and the next minute he was 
 cheering his mother with his usual animation, and 
 drawing a vivid analogy between their situation 
 and that of Sir Arthur and Miss Wardour, in the 
 "Antiquary." 
 
 But neither his mother nor aunt could look 
 lightly on it. They only spoke of the mercy of 
 their escape : they did not upbraid their thought- 
 
 aessj but Vernon felt this enough when he 
 looked on his mother's tearful white face, and 
 Charlotte's faint languid state. 
 
 " You had better take something to-night, my 
 diar Vernon," said his mother. "I think you 
 
 I hitter see Dr. L. ; you look very white and 
 1." 
 •• Dr. L. would tell me to go to bed, and I will 
 prescribe that tor myself." 
 
 • Bui he might give you some medicine to pre- 
 
 t cold, dear." 
 
 ■ \mi1 prevent my setting off to-morrow, too, 
 Nut this time, thank you; I am 
 nut ill."
 
 120 DASHWOOD PlllORY. 
 
 " Let me give you a little sal volatile and pare- 
 goric, with hot water, at least." 
 
 Vernon shrugged his shoulders, took the mix- 
 ture in silence to his room, and threw it away 
 without tasting it. 
 
 The following day he returned to Cambridge, 
 and his mother bade him good-bye, thankful 
 that none of the party was the worse for the 
 dangerous adventure. 
 
 %&P2r<i *L-- C #;>S-
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 121 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 " He shall call upon me, and I will answer Him : I will bo 
 with him in trouble ; I will deliver him and honour him. With 
 long life will I Batiflfy him, and show him my salvation." — 
 I \ci. 15, 10. 
 
 " The world paaseth away, and the lust thereof; but hu thai 
 doeth the will of God abideth for ever." — 1 John ii. 17. 
 
 Lot is remained at Torquay some months, and 
 after Vernon's departure gradually improved in 
 health, contrary to the expectation of all inter- 
 ested in him; and in April, as a more bracing 
 climate was recommended for him, his mothei 
 took him to Tenby, where his recovery was so 
 rapid that in a few weeks he was allowed to return 
 home or to school, whenever he pleased. School 
 was not to be thought of again, and accordingly, 
 to his great delight, he set out with his mother 
 for Norfolk, and arrived in Dashwood one line 
 May morning. 
 
 "Thou Bentest a gracious ruin upon Thine in- 
 hi ritance, and refreshedsl it when it, was wear} ; 
 so ii is, the former and the latter rain come equally 
 n Him who has pledged Himself thai He will 
 rer forsake His people. Sometimes the gracious 
 rain is ushered in by black threatening clouds; 
 yet the sun is still behind them, and how dark
 
 122 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 soever they may appear, by-and-by they shall 
 pass away, and the warm rays shall descend again 
 to cheer the softened earth. He shall descend 
 like the tender rain. "On you that fear My 
 name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with 
 healing in His wings •" so Louis thought, as the 
 carriage which had brought them from Norwich 
 drew near to his native place. Two or three days of 
 rain had been succeeded by a brilliant sunshine, 
 and his chastened and spiritual mind traced the 
 analogy to his own case. He remembered how 
 dark the cloud had been to him, how he had said 
 to himself, " Where is God my Maker, who giveth 
 songs in the night V* But He was still shining 
 behind the cloud: His inheritance was weary; 
 there needed a closer drawing to Himself: the 
 clouds of sickness and fear interposed, but with 
 them came the gentle rain, and now the chastened 
 heart could bear the sun of prosperity which 
 poured on it. How his heart swelled : " My God, 
 my heart is fixed ; I will sing and give praise ! 
 Oh, that the life Thou hast spared may be all 
 Thine own ! Take me, O Lord, for I am not able 
 to give myself to Thee : keep me as the apple 01 
 Thine eye; hide me under the shadow of Thy 
 wing." 
 
 My readers have long permitted me, as an old 
 friend, to appear from time to time from behind 
 the prompter's curtain and speak a Avord in my 
 own person. Suffer me now one word. How 
 many among you feel that God alone has raised
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOEY. 1 '23 
 
 you from sickness, — that had He left you, all 
 lieal aid had been in vain? How many have 
 lifted up the heart in true gratitude to Him, 
 ing, "O Lord, I will praise Thee! The 
 living, the living shall praise Thee ! as I do this 
 day." The Almighty God has declared, "Whoso 
 olfereth Me praise honoureth Me." "With sup- 
 plication and TnAXKsciviNG our requests are to 
 made known to God." But is it not too often 
 the case, that He is hardly remembered at all ? 
 1 1 uman aid, medical advice is sought, while He 
 who supplies that, is forgotten times without 
 number. Will ye not fear Him ? King Asa, 
 when diseased in his feet, sought to the physicians, 
 and not to the Lord, and what was the sequel ? 
 II i: DIED. 
 
 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name. 
 
 Louis' father and mother were both in the car- 
 riage with him, but neither spoke, for they under- 
 stood his feelings; their own were little different. 
 As the carriage became visible at the top of the 
 little elevation they were ascending, the church- 
 bells shuck up, and ere long along troop of the 
 villagers met the carriage, and threw flowers into 
 it, welcoming Louis home: with shouts and reve- 
 rences. Louis was so taken by surprise, that he 
 hardly knew what to say or do: he took oil' his hat 
 
 and stood up in the re, to acknowledge the 
 
 kind salutations, till the carriage entered the 
 
 park. We Will not enter inio the part iculai 1 of 
 the happy home-meeting. It was rcmemhi fed at
 
 124 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 night as such an event should be considered in 
 every Christian family. Louis missed one dear 
 face : Reginald was now at Cambridge, and as the 
 long vacation was yet some time off, he could not 
 return to welcome him. Two or three months 
 before, Vernon had reached the summit of his 
 collegiate desires, being proclaimed senior wrangler, 
 first gold medallist, and first Smith's prizeman.' 54 ' 
 The great event now talked of was Vernon's next 
 birthday, when he would be of age : Sir Francis 
 intended it should be kept with all honours due, 
 in consideration of his heirship, and the creditable 
 manner in which he had passed his college career. 
 The birthday was in September, and all the 
 Mortimers, Meredith, and the Vernons, beside 
 numberless other visitors, were invited to share in 
 the festivities, which were to last beyond the 
 actual day. Mary and little Fred were full of 
 the expected pleasure, and eagerly anticipated the 
 delight of being with all their little cousins at so 
 busy and joyful a period. 
 
 A few days after Louis' return home, his father 
 called him one morning into his study, and after 
 a little silence he began, — 
 
 " Louis, my boy, I feel I owe a great debt of 
 gratitude to Him who has restored you to me in 
 health and strength again. We feel it together ; 
 my multiplied mercies, who can count them ? " 
 He added, reverentially, after a pause, "What 
 
 * To the sceptical it may be mentioned, that there are two 
 such instances on record. Might not this have been one?
 
 H\siIWOOD PRIORY. 1 25 
 
 -hill I render to the Lord for all His benefit-'.' 
 1 may, indeed, say, we can render nothing but 
 the ottering of a thankful heart, and that 11 e 
 must give. Bat, my boy. I want to bestow some 
 ■ I mi icy in some charitable purpose, as a thank- 
 offering for this special mercy ; and as you are so 
 nearly connected in this, I should like to give you 
 the choice of the object ; therefore choose, my 
 dear Louis." 
 
 Louis was at first so overcome with pleasure, 
 that he could not find words to thank his father. 
 At last he replied, in a faltering tone, — 
 
 "I have one great wish, father, as you are so 
 kind to me, if you think it charity. I do ; but 
 perhaps it will be more than you intend to 
 
 ■ ■." 
 
 " What is it ? Speak out, and do not be afraid 
 of expense. I think I can guess." 
 
 " Poor Ferrers, father. He has talent; he has 
 been brought up as a gentleman."' 
 
 Mr. Mortimer smiled. 
 
 " Whai is to be done with him ?" 
 
 ■• Can you put him to college, papa?" 
 
 "' \iid w hat does he purpose doing 1 lien '."" asked 
 Mr. Mortimer. "1 do not object to it, my dear 
 
 -on ; lmt we must carefully consider the utility 
 of giving him this privilege; and tins sum of 
 
 moue\ mu-t not be idle thrown awa\ . What I 
 want you to feel is that we should be even more 
 
 ful stewards of that which we set apart for 
 the service of God than of thai which we call
 
 126 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 our own. What shall we assist your friend in 
 doing ? " 
 
 " Why, father, I hardly know ; he wants an 
 university education. He has talents, and I 
 think would do well, — perhaps fit himself for a 
 tutor. You know he might take pupils, and 
 would succeed much better if he had been at 
 Oxford or Cambridge." 
 
 "Well, I will write and make inquiries about 
 him. Do you think Dr. Wilkinson would take 
 the trouble to find out his views for me ? " 
 
 " I am sure he will, father," said Louis, joy- 
 fully. 
 
 In a few days Mr. Mortimer had instructed his 
 lawyer to write to Dr. Wilkinson and obtain 
 all necessary particulars respecting Ferrers : Mr. 
 Mortimer's name was not to be mentioned ; and 
 in little more than a week a full and circum- 
 stantial account through him from Dr. Wilkin- 
 son arrived, which satisfied Mr. Mortimer suffi- 
 ciently for him to summon Louis to another 
 cabinet council. It was agreed that it would 
 neither be wisdom nor kindness to make too 
 large an allowance; consequently, 500/. was placed 
 
 in Mr. T 's hands, and he was instructed 
 
 to allow Ferrers 120/. per annum, the remainder 
 to be given to him on leaving college, or to be 
 spent in necessary books. The college was also 
 chosen for him ; and when all was arranged, 
 
 Mr. T wrote to offer this to Ferrers, who, 
 
 we need hardly say, accepted it joyfully and
 
 DAsiiwooi) riuoRY. 127 
 
 gratefully; and easily persuading Ins master to 
 give up his indentures, was placed by the same 
 
 . urinous friend with Dr. "Wilkinson till the 
 Michaelmas term. I need not say how happy 
 our hero was ; he could hardly refrain from 
 writing to congratulate Ferrers before receiving 
 formal notification of it from him, and then had 
 to weigh his words well in his answer, to previ 
 the secret from appearing in the joy of his heart. 
 Lnnis' own studies were now very easy. Mr. 
 
 •rtimer was not ambitious for any of his chil- 
 dren, and only desiri d that Louis should be suiii- 
 ciently prepared for the ministry of the Church 
 for which he was designed. He and Seville, who 
 was intended for the same sacred office, studied 
 together ; but Neville was far more studious than 
 Louis, and, though educated at home, was quite 
 his equal. 
 
 All the Mortimers and Digbys paid a visit 
 to Cambridge to witness the ceremony of the 
 bestowal of Vernon's gold medal. It was a grand 
 scene; and as the alight delicate-looking young 
 man passed in review before the crowded hop 
 every mouth was full of his praises; and man\ 
 comments among the. ladies were pa- ed on his 
 interesting appearance ; while others, nearer to 
 him, who could notice with a critical eve the 
 hectic spot and fire of his lust : lid 
 
 too truly he was worn out. His strength Wl 
 unequal to the ordeal imposed on his excitable 
 
 frame. He did not know it liim-i If. Win
 
 128 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 shouts seemed to pull down the immense senate- 
 house, how proudly his heart beat. Bright 
 visions of future fame and greatness rose before 
 him, and all were again absorbed in the present 
 delight of that proud feeling of being for that 
 year at the head of the youth of Great Britain ; 
 and yet, how little was his fame known beyond 
 the walls of Cambridge ! 
 
 He left the house, and hastening to the inn where 
 his mother was, threw himself into her arms. 
 
 " Mother, dear mother ! the proudest thought 
 I had was, that you were the happiest mother 
 there ; and the happiest I had was, that / had 
 made you so." 
 
 Lady Digby kissed his wide forehead amid her 
 tears. 
 
 "God bless you, my boy ! — God bless you ! 
 and make you a blessing to your parents and 
 country." 
 
 " Father ! " he said, as he met his father's open 
 hand and glistening eyes. 
 
 Nothing more was said between father and 
 son ; but they understood each other. 
 
 Presently Vernon tore off his cap and gown, 
 and flung them to the other end of the room. 
 
 "Now, mother, let me sit on this stool, and 
 lean my head on your knee, as I used when I was 
 a little bov." 
 
 He suited the action to the word, and remained 
 long in silence, with his mother's hand resting 
 on his beautiful head, only removed from apparent
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 129 
 
 sleep by the rapid twinkle of his eye from under- 
 neath the nearly closed eyelid. It was enough 
 Sir Francis to sit and look at him; lie 
 had not even power to commend his example to 
 Frank, even supposing Frank had been in the 
 a\ ay ; but that gentleman, being rather afraid of 
 a lecture on account of considerable and oft- 
 repeated delinquencies, had taken himself out of 
 the way with some of his chosen associates. 
 
 1 1 is surprising bow little some people under- 
 stand the symptoms of ill-health. Vernon was 
 lively, and had a brilliant colour ; and at times, 
 when pale and delicate, it was simply attributed 
 to over-fatigue ; and, after spending a week or 
 two at home, a cruise on the Mediterranean was 
 again resorted to, to set him up and give him 
 tone ; but he was past that.
 
 130 DASHWOOD PRIORY, 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 " Ah, James, 
 But he was sadly changed, when he came down 
 To keep his birth-day. 
 
 It struck a damp 
 On all our merriment." 
 
 Southey's Eclogues. 
 
 September was fast approaching, and great were 
 the preparations at Castle Digby for the coming of 
 age of the heir. Vernon wrote home frequently, 
 and when he considered it necessary to mention 
 his health, always said, " I am very well.'" His 
 birthday took place at the end of the month, 
 and it was arranged that he should benefit by the 
 sea breezes as long as possible ; consequently he 
 was not expected home much before the day. 
 Duly at the appointed time Mr. Mortimer and his 
 family set off, and duly they arrived at the beau- 
 tiful seat of Sir Francis Digby. Mary and Fred 
 were quartered with the large party of little ones, 
 of whom Lady Digby's younger children, ranging 
 from thirteen to three years old, formed the 
 greater share. Nothing was thought of, from 
 eldest to youngest, but pic-nics, parties of pleasure, 
 and all kinds of schemes for passing away the 
 time as pleasantly as possible. Many of Vernon's
 
 DASIIWOOD PKIOKV. 131 
 
 friends were invited ; among whom were Meredith 
 and Hamilton. The latter was previously i ogaged, 
 but Meredith, who had been passing part of his 
 vacation with Reginald and Louis, arrived with 
 them. Sir George Vernon and family arrived the 
 evening of the same day with the Mortimers, and 
 nearly all the invited visitors were accommodated 
 in the large castle before the arrival of the hero. 
 Rooms that had not been used for years, haunted 
 rooms, dilapidated rooms, light closets, and dimly- 
 lighted apartments, were all in requisition. Re- 
 pairs and cleansing had been going on for a month 
 or two previous to the time, to make ready for 
 the large influx, and every bed in the two villa 
 inns was engaged for the night of the twenty-third. 
 
 Sir George was disappointed at not finding his 
 favourite grandson at home to meet him ; and to 
 indemnify himself for this disappointment, he 
 solaced himself by dwelling on his perfections 
 to several gentlemen with his accustomary decision 
 and dogmatism, as he walked up and down tin- 
 long drawing-room, with his hands behind him. 
 
 •' lli'll be :i great man, sir, one of these d 
 
 IIis father will of COOrse u r < t him into Parliament. 
 lie. is one of those brilliant intellects, sir, that 
 
 bear everything before them. It always was so; 
 
 from a child he could do anything he chtt 
 
 Why I remember — let me see- fifteen yean a 
 — when his mother broughl him toHeronhnrst I 
 him a Latin lesson, the first Latin lesson beevei 
 
 had, ami he took it away laughing; when 1 t; 
 
 K 2
 
 132 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 to explain it to him, he said saucily, ' Oh, grand- 
 papa, I know ! ' and then he went and sat on the 
 window seat, and kicked his legs about and killed 
 flies. I said to him, ' You are not learning that, 
 Vernon.' ' Because I know it, grandpa,' he said, 
 sharply ; and sure enough he did, and said it as 
 Avell as you or I, though, to my certain know- 
 ledge, he had hardly looked at it." 
 
 " Ay, indeed ! " said the gentleman. " The 
 most extraordinary part is, that he has grown up 
 according to his early promise. A precocious 
 child seldom becomes a remarkable man ; large 
 things are of slow growth/' 
 
 " He was never forced, sir ; he was never forced ; 
 and he had good spirits, and liked boys' sports. 
 The danger is, sir, in forcing the intellect. He 
 has been judiciously reared, sir; and the conse- 
 quence is, his constitution is now established, and 
 he is likely to be a useful and honourable mem- 
 ber of society. I am persuaded all depends upon 
 education. People often talk of the will of God, 
 when they are to blame themselves. If they took 
 proper care, adverse things would not happen, in 
 the majority of cases." 
 
 Sir George's state of happiness was exceedingly 
 great ; he went about the room in the most affable 
 state of mind, to hear Vernon's praises from the 
 many mouths, and was even gracious to Frank 
 and Louis. 
 
 The following day Vernon arrived, between 
 lunch and dinner. Sir George was in the morning
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 133 
 
 room with some members of the family, who, as 
 well as himself, had waited at home to receive 
 him. on the chance of hi> arrival. As the carriage 
 stopped, a troop of little ones, who had caught 
 sight of the approach, rushed out hatless and 
 Im anetless to greet him. He got out quickly 
 amongst them, and several minutes were occupied 
 in the vociferous welcomes and mutual embraces. 
 Now. little noisy ones," he exclaimed, as soon 
 ;.- he could disengage himself; " no announce- 
 ment, if you please; and come quietly up, if you 
 come at all." 
 
 He strode across the wide hall into the well- 
 known loom. Here his welcome was scarcely less 
 noi<y than that previous ; every one was so de- 
 lighted to Bee him again, and nearly all compli- 
 mented him on his improved appearance. His 
 mother looked with the tenderest fondness on his 
 slight graceful form and brilliant expression, now 
 lighted up with animation and happiness; and in 
 truth it was a beautiful face when examined, 
 though few on a ^1 JLrlit acquaintance would pro- 
 nounce him handsome. 
 
 ■ Does he not look well?" said Lady Diebv, as 
 
 she resigned the hand she held to her father. 
 Sir George did not reply. He had taken his 
 adton's hand and welcomed him heartily, but 
 
 a change came over his countenance, which a 
 i ii observer would have remarked as one he 
 
 desired to conceal. I le held the hand wry loudly, 
 d at (he young man kindly and seriously,
 
 134 DASKW00D PRIORY. 
 
 but with a half- affrighted and inquiring expression. 
 Vernon was apparently too much occupied to 
 notice his grandfather's unusual manner. He 
 had so many questions to answer, and so much to 
 hear before it was time to dress, and he retired 
 soon, in order to escape the return of the rest of 
 the company before dinner. 
 
 Reginald, Louis, and the young people fol- 
 lowed his example very shortly, Lady Digby, her 
 sister and brother, remaining a little longer. 
 They sat near a window talking of Vernon, of his 
 improved looks, his high spirits, his affectionate 
 disposition. It was a theme on which Lady Digby 
 loved to enlarge, and her companions were quite 
 ready to indulge her by listening and agreeing. 
 Sir George continued walking up and down the 
 room with his hands behind him. Suddenly he 
 stopped before them, and said — 
 
 " Vernon look well, Lady Digby ? are you blind?" 
 
 " How ! what do you mean ? You alarm me." 
 
 " Some one must be alarmed before long," he 
 replied, gravely. " I can't tell what you have 
 been thinking of. God help you, Beatrice ; you 
 have been very blind." 
 
 Lady Digby turned deadly pale. " My dear 
 father ! what — what do you mean ? " 
 
 " That Vernon is ill— very ill— fearfully ill," 
 repeated Sir George, emphatically. 
 
 Lady Digby and Mrs. Mortimer looked at one 
 another with blanched lips, and then at Sir George, 
 wonderingly.
 
 DASIIWOOD PKIORY. 135 
 
 "Ay, I'm not out of my mind." said the old 
 gentleman. " I know what I am saying. I know 
 it too well. I am sorrv to startle you : but vou 
 must be awakened. He must be nursed." 
 
 " What, father, with that lovely colour, looking 
 so remarkablv well — looking so handsome ? " said 
 Lady Digby, gasping between each word. 
 
 " It is even so," replied Sir George, sadly. 
 m Beatrice, I'd — Fd have given — I'd have — I'd 
 have given — I'd give all I possess to save him; 
 but it is too late, I know.'' 
 
 "Father!" exclaimed Lady Digby, bursting 
 into tears, " do not talk so. It is cruel to talk in 
 this way ! — indeed, it is cruel." 
 
 " You are too desponding, sir," said Mrs. Mor- 
 timer, in a tone of assumed cheerfulness. 
 
 Sir George never acknowledged himself in the 
 wrong, so he said nothing, but stood looking 
 gloomily and sorrowfully at the sisters. Mr. Ver- 
 non roused himself and attempted to cheer his 
 sister's spirits, by hinting that his father was 
 jather apt to take fright; that he thought Vernon 
 ■ as looking better than when he saw him last ; 
 and so poor Lady Digby went to dress with a 
 heavy heart, but determined to hope and deter- 
 mined to have niedieal adviee at once. She did not 
 tell Sir Francis; she could not bear to alarm him at 
 such a time. After her departure Sir ( foorgQ con- 
 tinned to pace tip and down the room in a state of 
 greal agitation, murmuring to himself at intervals, 
 "Colour! ura! — what madness aol to have
 
 13G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 looked to him before ! Colour — it's a fever-colour ! 
 Where could they be, not to see his white hands ?" 
 and then he shook his head mournfully, his eyes 
 filled with tears, and he took a few turns in 
 silence. " Poor fellow ! poor boy ! couldn't they 
 see his breath ? um ! It was not all eagerness — 
 no stairs — um ! my dear boy /" — he dashed the 
 back of his hand across his eyes. 
 
 "Father, you are too much alarmed," said 
 Mr. Vernon, who had been a silent spectator. 
 " You have alarmed yourself unnecessarily." 
 
 "God grant it!" he replied. "Clarence, I 
 have lost two sons that way — you remember one 
 — and I know every step." 
 
 " I see he is not the thing," said Mr. Vernon ; 
 "but I cannot see cause for so much despondency. 
 He was excited j remember how excitable he is ; 
 rest and nursing will restore him yet." 
 
 " Well, well," said poor Sir George, " he has a 
 good constitution, I've always said, and he got 
 over that terrible illness at Dashwood ; perhaps — 
 but they've let it go on too long; — madness, 
 madness ! — Lady Digby is always so easy ; Emily 
 would have taken better care of him." 
 
 He strode hastily out of the room. 
 
 Vernon appeared in the drawing-room only just 
 before dinner, and thereby, for a little while, 
 spared himself the weariness of answering a 
 number of common-place inquiries. He singled 
 out a favourite lady, and devoted himself very 
 assiduouslv to her entertainment on the wav to
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOllY. 137 
 
 the dining-room, and charmed every one at table 
 by the brilliancy of his conversation. His father 
 -was so happy, and even Sir George's fears were, 
 for the time, lessened by the sprightly nonchalance 
 of his gifted grandson ; but neither he nor Lady 
 Uigby forgot to notice, amid all the excitement 
 and cares of the dinner, that the contents of 
 his plate were sent away every course, almost 
 untouched. The gentlemen did not remain long 
 at the table, and Vernon and his cousins were the 
 first of the party who entered the drawing-room. 
 Their attentions were so immediately and con- 
 stantly required, that the evening nearly passed 
 away before Lady Digby had an opportunity of 
 speaking to her son; but her anxious care being 
 i.ow quite aroused, she watched him as constantly 
 as her duties allowed, and was considerably 
 relieved by his unwearied animation and high 
 
 spirit. " I cannot think what my father means,'' 
 she said to herself; " I never saw him looking so 
 
 well, dear fellow ! " 
 
 When the festivities of the evening were over, 
 
 Vernon eamcto his mother in her boudoir to wish 
 
 her good night. She looked anxiously at him as 
 
 she held his burning hand. 
 
 "Good night, mater carUHma .'" he .said, in 
 
 . tone of grave playfulness, ;ilin<>si answering 
 
 her steady gaze by one ;is full of meaning from 
 
 hia large liquid i yes. 
 
 \ ou are very hnt, my darling. 
 •■ How should 1 he otherwise, mamma? It's a
 
 138 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 liot night, and hot rooms, and dancing— nothing 
 very "wonderful." 
 
 " You did not dance very much, my dear : I 
 thought you "were dancing rather languidly." 
 
 "Who dances otherwise in a quadrille, mater?" 
 he replied. " I've given up waltzes and polkas — 
 they're too much trouble." 
 
 "You did not take much dinner after your 
 journey, my love." 
 
 " Must I explain how I tasted of everything, 
 and that the abundance of tastes made an excel- 
 lent dinner? Y r ou have been "watching me in a 
 most maternal manner," he answered, looking at 
 her again as if his soul were in his eves. " Now, 
 what next ? " 
 
 His mother still looked intently at him. 
 
 " Is your cough quite gone ? " 
 
 " A merveille" he replied carelessly. 
 
 " How long has it been gone ?" 
 
 "It seemed to go lately almost suddenly," 
 replied her son gravely, while a sudden expression, 
 as of pain, passed over his face. 
 
 " What is the matter, dear ?" 
 
 " Nothing ; — the bare recollection of what that 
 cough used to be after I left you," he said with a 
 little laugh. 
 
 The laugh produced a slight hollow cough, 
 two or three times repeated, and his mother 
 remarked, — 
 
 " It is much better, but not well ; take care of 
 yourself, dear."
 
 DASHWOOD riUOKY. 139 
 
 "I'll promise you that," he answered gaily, 
 as lie turned to his father, who now entered 
 the room. 
 
 "Good night, father: it is very late or very 
 early." 
 
 " Good night, Vernon," said his father. 
 " Mamma, he looks well, doesn't he ? The sea 
 agrees with him. I should be glad to see him a 
 little stouter, though. God bless you, my boy ! 
 my proud, my beautiful!" he added, as Vernon 
 left the room. 
 
 Lady Digby sighed deeply, but softly; she 
 
 a not at ease, though her mind "was in some 
 measure relieved. She did not know how Vernon 
 had striven against lassitude that evening to appear 
 
 11 in her eyes, and how, now the spur was 
 removed, he sank exhausted on his bed, where he 
 lay full half an hour before his valet could prevail 
 on hirn to undress. This valet was a voting 
 Frenchman lie had brought home with him, and 
 whom he chose to have in constant attendance 
 now, in opposition to his general habits; for till 
 lately he bad always expressed his abhorrence 
 of valets in no measured terms, and gloried in 
 being independent. He slept but lightly, con- 
 stantly tossing about, and disturbed by tl.e cough 
 which bad excited BO little alarm in his mother.
 
 140 dashwood rnioRY. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 " How dreadful must thy summons be, O Death ! 
 To him that is at ease in Lis possessions : 
 Who, counting on long years of pleasure here, 
 Is quite unfurnished for that world to come. 
 In that dread moment, how the frantic soul 
 Eaves round the walls of her clay tenement: 
 Huns to each avenue, and shrieks for help ; 
 But shrieks in vain. How wistfully she looks 
 On all she's leaving, now no longer hers." — Blair. 
 
 " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth ; 
 while the evil days come not." — Eccles. xii. 1. 
 
 Vernon arose the next morning unrcfreshed, and 
 weary from his troubled feverish sleep, and during 
 his toilet his couirh was unusually troublesome. 
 
 " Comment, Basire, ma toux revient ; donnez- 
 moi la boutcille, et doucement, nc me derangerez 
 pas." 
 
 " Monsieur sc fatigue trop," replied the man, 
 as he measured a dose of the cough mixture, with 
 a considerable tenderness of manner. 
 
 " Vous avez raison, Basire, apres demain je me 
 delasserai — aujourd'hui e'est impossible, et demain 
 e'est encore plus impossible. Ma fete, vous savez, 
 Basire. Pas un mot dc cctte toux — comprcnez- 
 vous r
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOKY. 1 11 
 
 Basire shrugged his shoulders, and signified his 
 comprehension in an undecided manner, as Vernon 
 languidly left the room. 
 
 If Lady Digby had congratulated herself on 
 liis good looks the preceding evening, she could 
 do so no longer, as his wan face and sunken eyes 
 met her gaze at breakfast. He was too ill to 
 make any effort to appear lively; all he could 
 assume was a cheerful manner. 
 
 Sir George was fidgety, and visibly uneasy, and 
 when breakfast was over, he summoned Vernon 
 and his father to a council in another room, 
 inning by minutely inquiring into Vernon's 
 ailments. He could get but little, however, out 
 of his grandson. 
 
 Vernon laughed at the idea of being ill. " He 
 was excited at returning home; had had a bad 
 night — had caught a little cold — there was nothing 
 the matter." 
 
 ■ Nothing the matter, with that cough?" re- 
 peated Sir George. 
 
 ' A mere trifle, sir/' replied Vernon, with so 
 much indifference in his manner, that his grand- 
 father grew angry. 
 
 • Vim may call it what you please, sir, but it 
 will kill you if you won't take proper care of 
 it. Sir Francis, I should insist upon his Beeing 
 Dr. Macey. You hear how he lias been coughing 
 this morning; you see how he look^. No com- 
 menl is needed, and words will be wasted in 
 argument/ 4
 
 142 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " How I have been coughing ! I haven't been 
 coughing/' replied Vernon. 
 
 " I have done, sir/' said Sir George, majesti- 
 cally. " Were you my son, I should order you out 
 of the room ; as you are not, I shall go myself." 
 
 "Grandfather, grandfather, forgive me/' ex- 
 claimed Vernon, hastily placing himself between 
 Sir George and the door. " I am unworthy of 
 your solicitude. I am really sorry. I will go out 
 if you will not stay in the room." 
 
 But Sir George put him aside and persisted in 
 retreating, leaving Vernon alone with his parents. 
 He was exceedingly sorry, and went after his 
 grandfather, using all his eloquence to induce him 
 to return, but in vain, and he returned to his father. 
 
 Sir Francis quietly but decidedly expressed his 
 intention of summoning Dr. Macey that day, and 
 in the same manner reproved Vernon for his petu- 
 lance concerning their anxietv. 
 
 " That you are not the thing is plain," he said, 
 " or you would think it unworthy to refuse so 
 small a request. I am going to S this morn- 
 ing, and will send the Doctor myself; and, Vernon, 
 I shall be most seriously displeased if you do not 
 see him. I wish vou had come home before. It 
 would have been better to postpone the merry- 
 making till you were quite strong." As Sir 
 Francis went out, Vernon threw himself on a sofa 
 in an agony of vexation. 
 
 " I will go out ; I won't sec Dr. Macey. Bored 
 to death with doctors ! doctors, is there to be uo
 
 )' 143 
 
 The Children :ed to Vernon.
 
 DAS II WOOD PHIORY. 143 
 
 end of doctors ! I had enough of them last year ; 
 can't I c:itch a slight cold without doctors' medi- 
 cines to cure me ! " 
 
 Lady Digby attempted to soothe him, and had 
 partially succeeded, when several of the little girls 
 entered in their birthday dresses of white worked 
 muslin, with broad pink sashes. They were a 
 pretty little group. Mary Mortimer and Bessie 
 Vernon, dressed exactly like their cousins, were 
 in the advance with Mary Digby, who wai about 
 their age, and Fanny, Kosalic, and little baby 
 Laura, brought up the rear. 
 
 lamma, we've come to show you our new 
 frocks," cried Rosalie. " Vernon, we've got pink, 
 your favourite colour ; and, mamma, all the boys' 
 dresses have come home, and Charlotte's and 
 Louisa's ball dresses. Oh, they are so beautiful ! 
 Will vou come and look at them ? Vernon, do 
 come and look at them." 
 
 " They are pink crape, with silver flowers on 
 them, Vernon," said Fanny. " Do come into the 
 school-room ; they arc all there, and Frank, and 
 Reginald, and Louis, and Mr. Meredith, are all 
 there, too." 
 
 Vernon did not attempt to resist their persua- 
 sions. He lifted the baby on his shoulder, to the 
 great detriment of her new dress, and marched 
 along to the school-room, where the Dew dj 
 lay in their glittering beauty. Vernon WSB called 
 upon to admire everything, in consequence of all 
 being provided to do him honour, lie masted
 
 1 I 1 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 upon his two eldest sisters arraying themselves in 
 their new robes, and a merry half-hour was spent 
 in descanting on the alterations and additions 
 required from the dress-maker, who had come from 
 
 S with them. May we be allowed to use the 
 
 word "spent" instead of "wasted," in connection 
 with the half-hour above mentioned, for surely on 
 such an occasion half an hour's sympathy with a 
 young party's pleasure was not mis-spent time ? 
 
 " And now do get up, you lazy fellow, and come 
 out," exclaimed Reginald, when the survey was 
 presumed to be finished. As he spoke he suited 
 the action to his words, by lifting little Laura 
 high in the air, from the end of the sofa on which 
 Vernon was now lying full length, and jumping 
 her on the floor ; he then disengaged Rosalie from 
 his feet, and commenced an attack on Vernon, by 
 turning the couch on its side, and rolling his 
 cousin on the floor. " Get up and come out ! " 
 
 " He's not a lazy fellow," cried little Rosalie, 
 running up to help him. " He's a dear good, 
 kind bov." 
 
 " Boy indeed ! " exclaimed Vernon, as he re- 
 covered his legs slowly, playfully seizing his sister 
 by her arms. " How dare you call me a boy ? " 
 
 " Well, vou won't be a man till to-morrow, vou 
 know ; Frank said so." 
 
 " That's a horrid cram of Frank's," cried Ver- 
 non. " He's always talking some absurd nonsense, 
 I wonder you ever believe him ; he knows nothing 
 at all about it."
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 1 15 
 
 " You are really a man, arc vou not? " 
 • Well, to ease your anxious mind, suppose you 
 call me an individual for the next few hours; only 
 niter to-morrow, let me hear you at your peril 
 call your eldest brother a hoy again. High ! 
 What, here'- Lady Laura coming for more romps. 
 1 tied Lady Laura — can't make rav head a foot- 
 stool any more. My arms have not recovered 
 their temporary usage as a crane for hoisting light 
 weights, to Bay nothing of being almost smothered 
 just now by a very bustling rnuslin frock, and 
 having my eyes nearly put out with the corner ot 
 a sash. Xo ; no more of that, an't please your 
 ladyship — come Reginald, out of the way, if we 
 must go ; come." 
 
 " Why, you are panting as if you had been 
 jumping over a five-barred gate," said Reginald, 
 his cousin seized his arm. They made their 
 way out with some difficulty, and it was not till 
 Lady Digby had relieved him by a few expostula- 
 tory words, that the children allowed them free 
 
 'And now, where arc we to go?' asked 
 \ i rnon 
 ■ I have not Been anything yet," said Reginald ; 
 
 •• I wanl to walk round the home-park, and see 
 
 Mime of your improvements} and there is that 
 beautiful tower your father has been building, in 
 honour of you. He wanted to show me the vie* 
 
 from it ; hut I declined, as 1 wished to B6e i1 
 
 \\ ith vou." 
 
 J.
 
 146 DASHWOOD PRIOllY. 
 
 " Come, then, most devoted and fraternal 
 cousin, I shall be happy to act cicerone, if my 
 powers of leg do not fail me." 
 
 " Powers of leg ! You priuce of laziness ! you 
 have grown very weak in your understanding 
 lately. We'll catch a deer, and place you thereon, 
 if you are tired. I see you want me to get you 
 into good habits; you have been with that lazy 
 fellow St. John till you have forgotten that any- 
 body ever does anything ; with your monsieur. I 
 am really afraid of you, Yemon." 
 
 " So am I" replied Vernon, coolly. " I am 
 very much afraid of myself. It is really so 
 amazingly comfortable to have things done for 
 us, that I wish a patent walking-machine was 
 invented ; one's legs really are not fit for long 
 walks." 
 
 " Shall I send for monsieur to carry you, dear 
 boy?" 
 
 " Thank you," replied Vernon, nonchalantly ; 
 " it would be very comfortable, only he would let 
 me fall to a certainty. Perhaps, if I am too tired 
 to proceed, you and Meredith, as the strongest of 
 the party, will carry me queen's-chair fashion. Is 
 that a bargain before we start, Meredith ? " 
 
 Meredith, who with Prank and Louis had 
 joined them, laughingly acquiesced. 
 
 " I do not know what the rest of the party will 
 think of us," said Vernon ; " but they really must 
 take care of themselves to-day as yesterday with- 
 out me."
 
 DASHWOOO PRIOKV. I ! 7 
 
 "Arthur and Charles are very devoted," said 
 Frank, "and I shall return soon: so yon ma\ 
 make yourself easy on that score." 
 
 " I shall be very attentive to-morrow, to make 
 up," said Vernon. 
 
 The castle, a large imposing pile of building, 
 originally built in the time of Edward the Third, 
 but considerably altered and modified by succeed- 
 ing generations, stood a little distance from the 
 summit of one of a range of beautiful hill-, 
 which rose around it, nearly covered with trees. 
 A winding road, now and then discernible among 
 the trees, led to it from the park, and immedi- 
 ately along the front of the building was a broad 
 marble terrace, from which a noble flight of steps 
 led to the smooth green ascent below. A wide 
 expanse of rich park-land, and meadow upou 
 meadow, inter sp e rs ed with cottages and houses of 
 more magnificent pretensions, lay before you as 
 yon stood on the terrace, and on one side a con- 
 siderable parish church, of no remarkable archi- 
 tectural beauty ; near which was the parsonage - 
 honac and the " Digby Arms," the principal inn 
 of the place, — for Combe Digby, though only a 
 hamlet in name, was of considerable extent, and 
 
 boasted a High-street of its own. The time of 
 the year and the beantv of the weather were all 
 BTonrable to the exhibition of the beauties of the 
 place. 
 
 Vernon led the way silently with Reginald 
 
 down the hil! to a beantii'nl dell, which was laid 
 
 i •>
 
 1 18 DASHWOOD PlUOllY. 
 
 out with much tasteful regard to its uneven 
 propensities. They passed clump after clump of 
 beautiful oaks and spreading beeches, whose 
 colour was slightly changed bv the breath of 
 autumn. Startled deer occasionally tied from 
 their approach to the shelter of distant trees, 
 and now and then, as they brushed through the 
 more woody entanglement of shrubs and bushes 
 which guarded the approach to the dell, they 
 roused a hare, or a covey of partridges flew into 
 the air. Reginald thought he had humoured his 
 cousin's silent fancy long enough, and, in common 
 with Frank and Meredith, burst into a verv 
 sportsman-like ejaculation on the latter appari- 
 tion. 
 
 "What a pity we have no guns," exclaimed 
 Meredith. 
 
 " We are not in a sportive mood just now," 
 said Vernon, quietly ; " you had better make a 
 morning of it after to-morrow. My father's pre- 
 serves are very good, only 1 must confess I have 
 verv little fancy for shooting : I never could learn 
 how to hold a gun properly, and have always a 
 wholesome dread of shooting myself." 
 
 " What a shame, with all this abundance ! ,J 
 said Reginald. 
 
 " Chacun a son gout" replied Vernon, in the 
 same languid tone : " there's all the more for my 
 friends, and you are welcome to come and blaze 
 away as much and as often as you like ; and fur- 
 ther, if it will afford you any satisfaction, I will
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 1 !'.» 
 
 give you the inexpressible pleasure of my com- 
 pany oil such occasion. Quant a moi" — he mur- 
 mured, in conclusion, as lie glanced at the peep 
 of blue sky the trees permitted to appear. 
 
 " How very beautiful this is, Vernon," re- 
 marked Louis. 
 
 •• I thought it would please you," said Ycrnon ; 
 "it was always a favourite spot of mine. "When 
 I was sulky, 1 came and sulked here; when I 
 \\av in a dramatic humour, I played Robinson 
 Crusoe here; and many is the time in the vaca- 
 tions Pve pretended to be very studious in that 
 This is my willow, Louis." 
 
 Louis laughed. 
 
 •• It is nice," he said, "to have a summer- 
 parlour of our own, is it not, Vernon ? ' : 
 
 •• For us sentimental ones it i-." rejoined 
 \ ernon. 
 
 " \ on sentimental!" exclaimed Reginald; "non 
 sense; you and I row in the same boat, Vernon. 
 You like the open air, and walking, and boating, 
 and all those sort of things; at least you did, 
 only really you've become so abominablv lazy. 
 I don't know what else may have come to 
 you." 
 
 \ ernon smiled, and, making no reply 3 Beemed 
 
 very well content to remain under any imputation 
 
 his cousin pleased. 
 
 Kut. upon my word, this is B beautiful 
 place; we can't -how \iiu anything like it si 
 
 I >ashwood."
 
 150 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Your grounds are so much more extensive 
 than ours/' said Louis. 
 
 " Oh ! there's no scenery at Dashwood/' said 
 Reginald; "it's only a pretty comfortable place." 
 
 " It is beautiful/' said Vernon, almost ab- 
 sently ; " I am much attached to it ; and yet I 
 do not think it is entirely the scenery that charms 
 me. We are all creatures of association, Regi- 
 nald. This dell abounds with the silver birch; 
 and I never see a birch anywhere from home 
 that it does not call forth a very pleasant, and yet 
 a craving feeling, — a kind of craving for that past 
 time when so little charmed me. I am not quite- 
 past that yet," he added ; " but my desires are 
 getting larger, and I am afraid I am growing 
 more censorious and less easily satisfied ; it is the 
 natural consequence of greater experience ; but I 
 hope I shall never get into that miserable state of 
 being wearied of everything." 
 
 " Never fear," said Reginald ; " you of all 
 others are likely to taste largely of the pleasures 
 of life : really, Vernon, just think — " 
 
 " Don't tell him to think," said Meredith; 
 " don't you see he is in a brown study, apropos 
 of the pleasures of life. I sometimes think that 
 happiness does not always go with the abundance 
 of life's pleasures." 
 
 " That is true, Meredith," rejoined Louis ; 
 "the happiest persons are often those who have 
 fewest of this life's pleasures." 
 
 "I often think that my cup of life is very full
 
 DASXWOOB nuoiiv. 151 
 
 of most good tilings/' said Vernon, thoughtfully. 
 " My life is almost too little interrupted by trifles; 
 I m ver wish for a thing but I get it." 
 
 Too happy!" said Meredith. "You are 
 growing more humble than I used to think you." 
 
 "Or more superstitious," said Vernon, in the 
 same quiet tone : " ' They whom the gods love die 
 young;' aud I believe it, Meredith. An old nurse 
 of mine once said, speaking of her childhood, ' It 
 was so happy, Master Digby, I thought I must 
 really be going to die young/" 
 
 " But she lived to be old, didn't she?" asked 
 Meredith ; " so there goes vour theorv at once." 
 
 A hearty laugh was raised at Vernon's expense. 
 He joined in it himself, saying, as it died away, — 
 
 •• Ah well, so she did; I did not sec the fallacy 
 of my illustration." 
 
 "You have a fit of the vapours, I am afraid," 
 I Reginald ; " walk a little faster, and shake it 
 out of you." 
 
 ■• Not up-hill/' said Vernon cheerfully, resisting 
 hi- l'b energetic pulls j " I have not recovered 
 
 my journey." 
 
 They were now mounting one of the hills by 
 the winding path that ran round the: back of 
 tin- bo vcial tixnea Vernon Mopped, and the 
 
 Little hollow cough was painfully perceptible even 
 to Reginald. 
 
 '■ \\ A, Vernon, you are not well/' he said, as 
 they -topped near the brow (.1* the hill, when a 
 
 feM more would bare placed them at the top.
 
 152 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " I must liave takeu cold yesterday ; my cough 
 has returned a little to-dav, but there is not much 
 the matter/' he replied, in a low exhausted tone ; 
 and after resting a few minutes, he led them to 
 the entrance of the " Vernon Tower/' which was. 
 completed in honour of his coming of age. A 
 cart and various tools about, showed that the task 
 of clearing the rubbish and beautifying the envi- 
 rons was in progress. The workmen were gone 
 to their dinner, and Vernon and his companions 
 sat down on one of the stone seats placed in the 
 doorway to look at the glorious prospect. 
 
 "The prospect is much finer from the top/' 
 said Louis. " There is a staircase inside ; let us 
 go up." 
 
 "Lunch must be ready/' said Frank. "It is 
 half-past one." 
 
 "'Time was made for slaves/" said Reginald; 
 " come, Vernon, I have not seen it." 
 
 The ascent inside the tower, which was very 
 lofty, was slow and fatiguing ; but when the 
 summit was gained, the magnificent panoramic 
 view well repaid the toil, — rich pasture-land, 
 waving corn-fields, thick plantations of trees, 
 houses at intervals, showing a thickly-populated 
 country. The young men stood side by side in 
 silence : Vernon with a swelling heart, and full 
 glistening eyes. 
 
 " ' I am monarch of all I survey,' " 
 
 said Reginald playfully, turning to Vernon. " Do
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOBY. 1"' ; > 
 
 you not feel proud that, this fair land belonged to 
 your fathers before you, Vernon?" 
 
 \ ( rnon smiled, and looked with earnest, lustrous 
 • yes on all around him. But his proud expression 
 laded gradually into one both mournful and 
 serious. He turned from the others, seemingly 
 wrapped in his own meditations. 
 
 "The lot has fallen to you in a fair ground, 
 Vernon," said Louis, whose heart was full, but 
 with diffi rent emotions. 
 
 " Yea. I have a goodly heritage," replied 
 \ ( rnon, with a sigh. 
 
 •' 1 hope you say that in its largest sense/' said 
 Louis, gently. 
 
 Vernon was silent for a moment; he thru 
 replied, still looking intently on the distant hills, — 
 "David used it of his inheritance." 
 
 "But, surely," added Louis, "'David looked 
 beyond his kingdom ; for did he not thank Ciod 
 for that when he said, ' What am I, and what is 
 my father's house, that Thou hast brought me 
 hitherto? 3 he also said, 'The Loud is the portion 
 of mine inheritance, and my cup: Thou main- 
 tained my lot.' Things pass away so quickly on 
 earth, we need some continuing city, do we not; 
 where we may place our treasures ? ,J 
 
 \n expression of the most intense sadness 
 settled on Vernon's countenance as Louis Bpoke, 
 
 d he replied, still without looking at him, — 
 
 •■ Vanitas vanitatum, omnia vanitas I The 
 preacher \\a- a wise man; Louis. 'There is an
 
 154 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 evil under the sun, and it is common among men ; 
 a man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, 
 and honour, so that he wanteth nothing;' 
 ' wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he 
 desireth,' he repeated, with bitter emphasis; 
 ' yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof/ 
 c As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even 
 to me, and why was I then more wise ? For there 
 is no remembrance of the wise more than of the 
 fool for ever. And how dieth the wise man ? 
 even as the rooL. I looked on the works that 
 my hands had wrought, and on the labour I had 
 laboured to do, and behold all was vanity and 
 vexation, and no profit under the sun.' " 
 
 Vernon uttered these words rapidly, and there 
 was a bitterness and earnestness in his manner 
 that alarmed and startled Louis ; who replied, — 
 
 " But the wisdom spoken of there is the 
 ' wisdom of the world, that is foolishness with 
 God/ Vernon. "The remembrance of the just 
 is blessed :' ' Say ye to the righteous, it shall be 
 well with him !'" 
 
 " What are you two talking of so earnestly 
 there?" exclaimed Reginald, who had been 
 engaged in a merry discussion with Frank and 
 Meredith at the other side. How grave you are ! 
 Why, Louis, you look quite frightened." 
 
 " As for Vernon, he's in the dumps this morn- 
 ing," said Frank : " the ghosts of his forefathers 
 are haunting him. Never mind, Vernon, don't 
 be heroic ; never mind the ancestry. I mean to
 
 DASHWOOB PRIORY. 155 
 
 throw mine overboard, :uul be sufficient for my- 
 -I'll'. AY hen I write my personal recollections, I 
 shall commence, ' I was the son of my father, and 
 that was honour enough for me and for him f and 
 now I'm hungry, and I dare say the company will 
 ■want me. Meredith, come along : you saw all, 
 and had all your poetry and sentiments called 
 forth yesterday. Come, Louis, come and have 
 some touch : we'll leave the son and heir in the 
 clouds, as he's inclined to be so mysterious." 
 
 Lonis followed Frank and Meredith down the 
 staircase; and Vernon, rousing himself, began to 
 point out some places of note to Reginald. The 
 others had not left them many minutes, when 
 the workmen returned. They caught sight of the 
 gentlemen before tliev reached the tower, and 
 came running up the hill, waving their caps and 
 cheering. As they reached the tower, Vernon 
 and Reginald heard distinctly, "Hurrah! Long 
 live Mr. Vernon! Our young master for ever' 
 ( rod bless our young master ! " 
 
 Vernon's eolour rose; his eyes sparkled as he 
 took off his hat, and returned their virus v, ith a 
 low inclination, lie descended immediately, and 
 
 ipped to shake hands with them, and to speak 
 the few kind hearty words, which remained long 
 in their all'ectionatc remembrance, alter the tongue 
 that uttered them was silenced. As be proceeded 
 down the hill, many were the fervent blr^n. 
 invoked on his head, mingled with some pitying 
 remarks on his delicate appearance. There was
 
 156 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 now but a short distance to traverse before they 
 reached the house; but though it was all down- 
 hill to the terrace, when the enthusiasm the ren- 
 contre with the workmen had called up had 
 passed away, Vernon seemed quite overcome. 
 He leaned heavily on Reginald's arm, and often 
 paused ; but to all Reginald's bantering remarks 
 on his laziness, he scarcely made any reply ; and 
 at length Reginald was alive to the fact, that 
 there was something very much amiss, and felt 
 anxious to get him home as quickly as possible. 
 The ascent up the broad steps was fearfully 
 tedious. Vernon's breath seemed almost gone, 
 as they reached the terrace. He staggered across, 
 with Reginald's help, and sat down on one oi 
 the little iron seats placed near the buttresses, 
 gasping. 
 
 " Dear Vernon, you are very ill. What is it?" 
 said Reginald. 
 
 He was afraid to leave him, yet anxious for 
 help, and was going to call out, when Vernon 
 looked up piteously, and just gasped out, "No, 
 don't ; I shall be better." 
 
 He then bent his head down, and leaned it 
 against the buttress. 
 
 For a few minutes Reginald stood in distressed 
 silence, looking at him. At length he drew a 
 deep breath, and then, looking up at his cousin 
 with his eyes full of tears, he said, — 
 
 " It is of no use deceiving myself any longer. 
 I cannot, Reginald. I am sure I am dying ; and
 
 I) \s|[\\ i)o|) I'HIOKY. lOt 
 
 I /.m a coward, for 1 dare not be told that I 
 
 am." 
 
 Poor Reginald felt as if his circulation had 
 suddenly stopped, and he could not speak at first ; 
 but, soon recovering himself, he replied as checr- 
 fullv us be he could, — 
 
 • Nonsense; you are low-spirited, Vernon: 
 you must not give way in this manner. You 
 have taken eold ; but a little cold does not kill 
 one, though it is oncomfortable. Never say 'die,' 
 — it is not like you." 
 
 " Therefore," returned Vernon, " you may be 
 vine it is not a little that has made me say it. 
 Reginald, I have much to Bay, but this is too 
 public a place ; let me have your arm up stairs. 
 Stay one moment : promise me that you will 
 never Bay you saw me in tears. I am so weak, 
 and so broken down, I could not help it; but it 
 is most unmanly." 
 
 Eteginald, nevertheless, could hardly restrain 
 his ow n. as he gave the earnestly required promise ; 
 lie knew how intense must have been the feeling 
 that could draw them from his cousin. — for himself 
 especially. He led him in silence through the 
 hall, and they mounted the stairs very slowly, 
 
 though Vernon exerted himself sufficiently to 
 
 excite no particular attention among those servants 
 
 who wen- Standing about. When thej reached 
 his room, lie rang the bell, and Lying down on the 
 
 bed closed his eyes. Reginald was bo bewildered 
 
 he hardh knew w li;vt to door what be tllOUght,
 
 158 DASHWOOD PllIORY. 
 
 but the speedy entrance of the valet relieved him 
 from his perplexities. Directly Basire saw Vernon, 
 he produced a restorative, and tenderly raising his 
 head, he gave it him. In a few minutes Vernon 
 appeared much as he had been before the com- 
 mencement of the walk. 
 
 " Merci, Basire," he said, with a smile. " Mon 
 cousin ne connait pas ces affaires-ci ; nous,-— nous 
 y sommes accoutumes. Mettez la bouteille sur 
 cette petite table, et puis vous pouvez quitter la 
 chambre. Je desire etre seul avec Monsieur." 
 
 The servant, with a manner in which affection 
 and concern were blended, did as desired, and left 
 the room with a noiseless tread, after Vernon had 
 further desired that if Dr. Macey called, he shoidd 
 be shown up at once to his room. 
 
 " And now, Reginald, I have a long tale to tell 
 you, which I can tell to no one but you. I cannot 
 tell my parents, they are too much wrapped up 
 in me. My grandfather — poor grandfather ! he 
 would not break it gently to them. Oh, Regi- 
 nald ! take care of your health. I am sure it is 
 a sin to neglect it. I am heavily punished for my 
 self-will. Take care of beginnings ; you are well 
 now, and perhaps have naturally a stronger con- 
 stitution than I have; but I never thought I 
 could be ill. It seemed nonsense; but oh, what a 
 bitter reality it is now — a full cup of happiness 
 at my lips, it is about to be dashed down for ever ! " 
 
 " My dear Vernon," said Reginald, very ear- 
 nestly, " what did you mean by saying you had
 
 das u wood rniouY. 159 
 
 a little cold? What did you mean by trilling 
 about your laziness ? Oh, Vernon ! if you are so 
 ill, how you have bees deceiving us ! and why ? ;: 
 
 " I have told heaps of lies, I fear," replied 
 Vernon, sighing deeply ; " but I hope they will be 
 forgiven: they were on a great emergency to ca>e 
 myself and those so dear to me, and to whom I 
 am so dear. I persuaded myself it was the ease. 
 I would if I could. Don't look so grave; your 
 ante David did the same in danger." 
 
 ■• And the consequence was the destruction of 
 a number oi' innocent persons. It ought not to 
 be excused, dear Vernon, and you of all people." 
 
 " AVcll, no more of that," said Vernon, im- 
 patiently ; "' nobody calls excuses and evasions, 
 lies, God knows, there was reason enough. Well, 
 here is my story. I believe the mischief was 
 principally done at Torquay, the last night I was 
 there; but I would not believe anything was the 
 matter, because my time was so valuable. After 
 I returned to Cambridge I was not well, and ex- 
 amining for my degree did not improve it; but I 
 got on till Easter somehow, and then the rest and 
 change did mc so much good, that I thought my- 
 self (mite well, in spite of the cough. You know, 
 Reginald, I was used to the cough by that time. 
 
 However, it was rerj bad sometimes, especially in 
 
 the morning. I used to resolve to ha\e aihiee in 
 
 the morning, and think myself quite well at night ; 
 and so it went OB till the siunint C came, when I 
 got wonderfully well. Then the Mediterranean
 
 ICO bASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 was advised, and I expected to be set up, and so 
 I was, partially; this terrible cough had nearly 
 ceased, and all went on pretty well till about a 
 month ago. I was coming home, but I was laid 
 up a fortnight at Brighton. Happily I told no 
 one I was coming, so no one knew. St. John 
 thought me at home, and they at home thought 
 me on board ship/' 
 
 " Did you not have advice ? " 
 
 " To be sure, and got well again, and was 
 advised to go to sea again to Madeira; but he 
 was very encouraging, saw no danger, et cetera. 
 Of course I did not care about Madeira, and I 
 went to the Isle of Wight for ten days, and then 
 came here, much better I hoped — much better — 
 but here I am nearly as low and weak as ever. 
 My father insists upon my seeing Dr. Macey, and 
 I dread to see him." 
 
 " But I don't see whv, if vour Brighton man 
 was so hopeful." 
 
 A'ernon sighed. 
 
 " I wished to believe him. I did believe him, 
 Reginald ; but vet something continuallv checked 
 that ; and yet I have been very sanguine, not 
 alarmed enough at any time. I am better now," 
 he added, sitting up. " Perhaps, after all, my fears 
 arc mere lowness of spirits; I am not generally 
 troubled that way." 
 
 " I think so still/' said llcginald, cheerfully ; 
 " :md let me order vou something to eat : vou will 
 be better then, and all these fancies will nv awav."
 
 DASHWOOD PEIOEY. IC1 
 
 " Promise me you will say nothing about I 
 till after to-morrow/' said Vernon. "My fat: 
 would put off the festivities, and so many will be 
 disappointed. It must not be, Reginald; they 
 will do me good — a little excitement does." 
 
 " But if you arc ill, Vernon ? " 
 
 " But I am not," said Vernon, eagerly ; " not 
 ill enough, at least. I have been making a fool of 
 myself. You must promise, Reginald, not to pre- 
 vent the fete, for my sake. Remember, this 
 in confidence." 
 
 Reginald gave a reluctant consent, just 
 Dr. Macey was announced. At the mention of his 
 name, Vernon coloured, and then turned pale ; but 
 he commanded himself well, and after a few 
 marks, begged Reginald to leave him alone for a 
 few minutes. Reginald retired to the adjoining 
 room; but the few minutes were lengthened to 
 half an hour, and when Dr. Macey left the roc 
 Reginald arrested him at the door with a trembling 
 " How is he ? " 
 
 Dr. Macey's manner was exceedingly agital 
 he could hardly say, — ■ 
 
 " He cannot live many months, Mr. Mortirm r ; 
 the disease has made ground fearfully, (in to 
 him,— keep him up. Oh, thai that line 
 man should he taken ! Poor fellow ! — he has 
 been sadly careless of himself; but it is the ■■ 
 of them all." 
 
 B -maid possessed much strength of mind; 
 
 but he needed all, as he mechanically <<ln
 
 162 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Dr. Macey, who hastened down stairs and out of 
 the house, without asking to see Lady Digby. 
 
 "Vernon was lying full length on the bed ; his 
 coat and waistcoat were on the floor beside it, 
 and both his arms were laid across his eyes. He 
 did not move when Reginald entered ; but, as he 
 approached the bed, he said, in a low muffled 
 voice, "Leave me alone now. I must be quite 
 alone, Reginald, — quite alone for a little while." 
 
 Reginald could hardly speak ; but he mustered 
 Iris emotion sufficiently to say gently, " You are 
 not fit to be alone, dearest Vernon." 
 
 " I am/' replied Vernon, suddenly sitting up 
 in the bed, and displaying slight traces of tears 
 on his white haggard countenance. " I must pass 
 alone soon ; no comfort can reach me there. 
 Reginald, I made him tell me all; he speaks the 
 truth ; I knew he would, and therefore I dreaded 
 this visit. Oh, my God ! " he added, clasping his 
 hands, and looking out on the fair view visible 
 from the window at the foot of the bed, " to leave 
 this, — can it be ? — with all youth's dreams unful- 
 filled. It is impossible ! " 
 
 " Dear, dear Vernon, calm yourself," said poor 
 Reginald. He hardly knew what to say; a burst 
 of bitter tears seemed almost necessary to himself. 
 
 Vernon sat a moment or two in the same atti- 
 tude without moving. 
 
 " This is unmanly, Reginald," he said, at length, 
 getting off the bed, — " this is most unworthy of a 
 man ; but sickness has unnerved me."
 
 DASUWO(M) PBI0B1 1G3 
 
 ic 
 
 Lie down, dearest Vernon/' said Reginald, 
 gently taking his hand, " I will fetch aunt 
 Beatrice." 
 
 " That you must not, Reginald ; she must not 
 know it yet ; the children and tenants must h;n i 
 their day ; I can hold out well ; I shall be well 
 to-morrow. Say nothing, Reginald/' he con- 
 tinued, passionately, " I must have this satisfac- 
 tion. You have no idea how much better I am from 
 day to day ; my illness has been too deceitfully 
 \ ariable throughout. Dr. Macey will be one of 
 the company to-morrow, and will look after me. 
 He has promised to evade the matter till the 
 twenty-fourth ; and I, — I shall humour him b\ 
 wearing a blister to-night. But what does it 
 matter ? a dying patient may be humoured. Foi - 
 give me, Reginald," he added, after a slight pause, 
 " illness makes me petulant ; you should have left 
 me alone." 
 
 Reginald laid his hand very tenderly on his arm. 
 
 " Come, lie down, my dear Vernon ; I will pro 
 mise anything, if you will rest." 
 
 me that ; or, rather, remember your 
 OS promise, and I will do anything. I will 
 take care of myself," said Vernon, throwing him 
 self again on the bed, and again sitting Dp. 
 
 " Oh, Reginald ! Aristotle and Plato will not 
 
 help us much here. Oh. Reginald ! philoaoph] 
 will not. do. 'How dieth the wise man, even 
 
 tin- fool! Surely I have spent my days fa 
 
 nought ! ' " 
 
 \i
 
 1G i DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 " Look above, dear Vernon," said Reginald, 
 in a choking voice ; " Jesus will help. He alone 
 can soothe the dying bed. His entire righteous- 
 ness can save the sinner. His finished work is 
 enough even for the chief of sinners." 
 
 " Ay," said Vernon, bitterly; " but I don't feel 
 myself a sinner. How would you have me come 
 and ask a favour — and such a favour — in a last 
 extremity, of one whom I have slighted or despised 
 all my life ? I cannot, Reginald ; I am, at least, no 
 hypocrite ; religion has, as yet, had no charms for 
 me ; and should I not despise myself, and doubt 
 my own sincerity, if I should seek it now, when 
 nothing else can charm or help me ? God is too 
 great to be trifled with, Reginald." 
 
 " He is love, Vernon," said Reginald, earnestly. 
 " ( Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast 
 out.' " 
 
 " But if I were in health, Reginald, or likely to 
 live, I should not wish to come to Him ; and is it 
 not cowardice to desire it now ? " 
 
 " Cowardice ! dear Vernon ? Cowardice to ac- 
 knowledge His greatness ? — that He is God, and 
 not man, therefore He will have mercy even in 
 the eleventh hour. I do not know how to speak 
 to you, my dear cousin; it is adding sin to sin to 
 doubt Christ's mercy, and to stand aloof in pride. 
 Is it not something like the Israelites : ' Thou 
 saidst there is no hope ; no, for I have loved 
 strangers, and after them will I go ? ' Pray, dear 
 Vernon; He will give you all the feelings you
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 1G5 
 
 want as well as the gifts. Pray, dear Vernon ; it 
 will do you more good than anything I can say. 
 Make your requests for Christ's sake ; there is a 
 plea at once. You are too sinful to ask; but 
 Christ is all holiness ; in Him the Father is ' well 
 pleased.' " 
 
 " Pro;/ !" said Vernon, bitterly ; " I, who tumble 
 into bed every night, and go about my business 
 every morning without a prayer? "Will He not 
 laugh at my calamity '1 lie will not hear me. I 
 must cat the fruit of my own way, Reginald. 
 Tell me nothing more now, at least; I cannot 
 bear anything now. I can give myself chapter 
 and verse for every doubt. I know the Bible 
 better than you do, and I remember it, — indeed, 
 I remember much of it now. Leave me, my 
 dearest Reginald, I want quiet, — I want quiet ; I 
 have gone through much to-day." 
 
 Reginald obeyed the eager, craving command. 
 But Vernon called him back again to request he 
 would not go near his mother, nor let it be known 
 that they had returned from their walk. 
 
 "Have some lunch upstairs, Reginald; you 
 have had nothing to eat yet. I shall be down at 
 dinner. How thoughtless I have been about yon ' 
 
 Reginald acquiesced, and sadly returned to Ins 
 o\\ 11 room. 
 
 Full three hours elapsed before he was again 
 
 summoned, and it was nearly seven o'clock when 
 he re-entered his cousin's room. \ emon was 
 now quite calm and collected, and spoke with his
 
 166 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 usual cheerfulness to Reginald, asking his assist- 
 ance to help him on with his coat. 
 
 " Basire has just dressed me, but I wanted to 
 see you; I dismissed him, thinking you would 
 help me. I have a slight impediment in the 
 shape of a blister between the shoulders. It is 
 not very troublesome now : I put it on as soon as 
 it arrived, that the business might be over early 
 to-morrow. I look pretty well, I think, now," he 
 said, smiling. " Now, if you are dressed, we will 
 go down." 
 
 Reginald did not dare to dispute his wishes, for 
 fear of exciting him, and they descended to the 
 drawing-room. Though they had timed their 
 descent only a few minutes before dinner, there 
 was time enough to receive many questions, and 
 to be obliged to parry some, on their morning's 
 walk. Sick at heart, Reginald could not assume 
 the animation of his cousin ; and knowing little 
 of his disease, he wondered at the astonishing 
 cessation of his cough, the beauty of his colour, 
 and the fire of his eyes that evening. He did not 
 dance, nor join the musical efforts after dinner, 
 but all that struck any one was that he seemed a 
 little tired. 
 
 Lady Digby stopped him at night to ask 
 whether Dr. Macey had been, and what was his 
 report; and received a careless answer, though 
 the question rent his heart. 
 
 " Just as I expected. You will see him, I dare 
 say, on Friday, and you can ask him all. He
 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 167 
 
 thinks I want care, mother/' he added, more 
 gravely j "and I am going to be very good, I 
 assure you/' 
 
 " I wish we had put off your birthday, dear," 
 said his mother, anxiously. 
 
 " I don't," said Vernon. " It would be a great 
 disappointment to me. Have not I been looking 
 forward to it for eighteen years? Good night, 
 dearest mother." 
 
 •• He does not look ill to-night, though," said 
 !v Ditrbv to herself as he went, vet she sighed 
 
 it a * ■ ^^ 
 
 very deeply.
 
 168 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 " By grace ye are saved, through faith ; and that not of your- 
 selves : it is the gift of God." — Ephes. ii. 8. 
 
 " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while 
 the evil days come not." — Eccles. xii. 1. 
 
 Basire slept in the same room with his master, 
 and the blister was attended to early in the morn- 
 ing, full an hour before a band of music, simul- 
 taneously with the fine peal of church-bells, 
 struck up under Vernon's window. He was 
 much relieved ; his cough had been better during 
 the night, and the fever was considerably abated. 
 Forgetting his invalid condition, and the caution 
 of his medical man concerning the morning and 
 evening air, he threw on his dressing-gown with 
 his usual impetuosity, and hurried to the window 
 to acknowledge the early salutation. Basire was 
 on the watch, knowing but too many instances of 
 his master's imprudence, and as Vernon's hand 
 was on the latch of the large casement, he rushed 
 forward and respectfully interfered. 
 
 " Monsieur, le brouillard. Rappelez-vous Mon- 
 sieur le docteur V 
 
 But Vernon's enthusiasm and self-will both 
 rebelled: he struggled; the poor valet, firm to 
 the injunctions he had received from Reginald
 
 DASHW0OD PRIORY. 1GD 
 
 and Dr. Macey, still persisted in his well-meant 
 resistance, only adding exasperation to his deter- 
 mination. Vernon's anger gave him a fictitious 
 strength ; he pushed the man aside, and burst the 
 window open in triumph. It was but a short 
 triumph. An exclamation from him called the 
 valet once more to his side ; a short cough 
 and a gush of blood from the mouth announced a 
 broken blood-vessel. The poor young man was 
 sobered and alarmed ; he staggered to the nearest 
 chair, and endeavoured to stanch the bleeding 
 with his handkerchief. The alarmed servant ran<r 
 the bell violently, but before he could reach 
 \ ernon, the great exhaustion attendant on the 
 hemorrhage had laid him prostrate. Reginald 
 was the first who entered, and he assisted Basire 
 to lay his fainting cousin on the bed, and then 
 sent him for a doctor. 
 
 It was not long before other members of the 
 family poured in, for Basire had spread the news 
 he ran. Sir Francis, Lady Digby, and Sir 
 George were there almost immediately, in agony. 
 "What could thev do? It was a sight for the 
 birthday morning. All thought him dying, lie 
 had not moved after he was laid on the bed : t In- 
 stained dressing-gown and pillow, the white, white 
 face, the closed eyes, and the slow drops oozing 
 from his half-open mouth, all told the sad tale. 
 After the first alarm, and the consequent inde- 
 scribable confusion, had a little subsided, they all 
 looked on in silence. Sir Francis raised his head
 
 170 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 and Lady Digby gave him a little water ; Reginald 
 made a way among the attendant crowd that the 
 air from the still open window might fan him. 
 There it came, and borne along on it came the 
 music of the merry bells in honour of the dying 
 youth. Sir Francis looked distractedly from his 
 dear son, and laying his head on the pillow, 
 exclaimed, — 
 
 " Stop those bells ! Some one go, quick ! " 
 There was no lack of messengers, and a few 
 minutes after, one burst into the belfry with the 
 appalling news — 
 
 " Mr. Vernon 's dying ! Stop the bells." 
 Everything was arrested hurriedly ; each guest 
 ere he had left his chamber knew the sad tale, 
 and in the course of the day all but the imme- 
 diate relations of the family had left the castle. 
 The village doctor arrived shortly, and about two 
 hours after Dr. Macey, when the object of their 
 solicitude was a little revived. But he lay little 
 removed from insensibility all the day, constantly 
 attended by his parents, Dr. Macey, and Mrs. 
 Mortimer, who knew more of nursing than her 
 sister. Sir George, too, would not be forbidden 
 the room : he stood the picture of woe at the foot 
 of the bed, very quietly watching all that was 
 done for him, once or twice saying, in a low tone, 
 " Poor fellow, I was angry with him yesterday." 
 
 Ah ! at such times how bitter is the remem- 
 brance of an angry thought ! Though Sir George 
 had some cause for his anger, his was bitter;
 
 DASI1WOOD PRIORY. 171 
 
 and how much more when the anger is without 
 
 aose ! 
 
 There was a slight improvement towards the 
 . ml of the day, and the next still more. He was 
 not allowed to speak, and he made no effort to do 
 so. He fixed his eyes, from time to time, upon 
 one or the other of his attendants : at times there 
 was an intensity of affectionate gratitude in the 
 gaze, but generally it was one of settled melan- 
 choly. Earnest were the prayers offered for him, 
 and no opportunity was lost of repeating texts 
 from the Bible to him, but he seemed not to 
 notice them, either too weak to comprehend or 
 too indifferent. One morning he looked anxiously 
 around from one to the other. Mrs. Mortimer, 
 Lady Digby, and Sir George were all in the room, 
 and as each in turn came to the bedside he slightly 
 shook his head. At last by a great effort he said, 
 " Louis." 
 
 Louis had been so much overcome, that his 
 mother had not allowed him to sec Vernon often 
 since the birthday; he was soon summoned now, 
 ami immediately appeared. Vernon smiled sadly, 
 and taking his hand, signed him to stoop down to 
 him. When Louis was near enough to hear, lie 
 said, in the low whisper in which lie had Bpoken 
 since the fatal morning, "Tell me something, 
 I uis; tell me something. The Bible, Louis — 
 all is dark." 
 
 Louis trl; such a sensation of choking in his 
 
 throat, that at first he eoidd hardly comply. lie
 
 172 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 sent up a heartfelt prayer for guidance and 
 strength, and then gradually gaining power as he 
 proceeded, repeated passage after passage from the 
 Sacred "Word to his poor cousin, whose eager eyes 
 were fixed on him as if he would drink in all he 
 could say. At length he paused, after concluding 
 a passage from the fifteenth of the first Epistle to 
 the Corinthians. 
 
 Vernon looked unsatisfied, and pulled him 
 down again. 
 
 "There is nothing," he whispered. "O Louis, 
 the heavens above are as brass ! I cannot believe, 
 I cannot feel." 
 
 " ' Faith is the gift of God/ dear Vernon." 
 
 " Too late," murmured Vernon. 
 
 "No, no. It is yet the accepted time, dear 
 cousin. Pray, dear Vernon ; pray." 
 
 Vernon shook his head, and Earned away from 
 Louis. 
 
 " Remember the labourers of the eleventh 
 hour," urged Louis. 
 
 " They laboured ; I cannot," said Vernon. 
 
 " We are not saved by works, Vernon. ' By 
 grace ye are saved/ " 
 
 " ' Through faith,' " murmured Vernon : " I 
 have none." 
 
 " ' Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to 
 the waters ; and he that hath no money, come ! ' " 
 repeated Louis. 
 
 Vernon shook his head again, and restlessly 
 moved his hands.
 
 DASHW00D PEIOBY. 173 
 
 " Remember the dying thief ;" and Louis 
 repeated, with a faltering voice, Cowpcr's beau- 
 tiful hymn, — 
 
 " There is a fountain filled with blood." 
 
 To his great alarm, Vernon raised himself in 
 bed for a minute, and said, in a voice just 
 distinct enough to be beyond a whisper, — 
 
 " It is like offering the blind and lame for 
 sacrifice, to give myself to God now — now .'" 
 
 He sank down exhausted, and Louis was 
 obliged to recall his nurses from the adjoining 
 room, whither they had retired to leave him alone 
 with the invalid. They dared not allow the con- 
 versation to be renewed. Vernon made no allusion 
 to what had passed, when alone with liis mother 
 and aunt ; but his poor mother knew the anguish 
 of spirit which those beseeching eyes betrayed. 
 He was too weak to affect disguise, and he looked, 
 BOW and then, from one to the other as if he 
 would say, "Give me some comfort;" and they 
 could not give it. It was a great relief when he 
 sank into a heavy slumber, which lasted some 
 time. "When he awoke he asked for Louis, and 
 for the next day or two seemed hardly comfortable 
 when he was out of sight; though, with his usual 
 
 isideration for others, he would not allow him 
 to be constantly in his room. They were often 
 leu alone for B short time, when it was found 
 Louis was BO precious, and \ ennui made him 
 
 pray aloud, and would sometimes put his thin 
 
 hand into In- cousin's, BS if he wished to make
 
 174 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 the words his own, but he seldom made any 
 remark. 
 
 One day, about a week after the breaking of 
 the blood-vessel, when Reginald and Lady Digby 
 were with him, and he appeared to be sleeping, 
 he suddenly opened his eyes, as if some vision of 
 brightness had passed them. He clasped his 
 hands, and murmured, — 
 
 " ' The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan ; is not this 
 a brand plucked from the burning?' " 
 
 His attendants listened with trembling joy. 
 Reginald rose, and stood looking at him ; but he 
 closed his eyes again, and seemed lost in contem- 
 plation, his lips occasionally moving. Presently 
 he looked steadily at Reginald, and said dis- 
 tinctly, — 
 
 " e And he said unto them that stood by, Take 
 the filthy garments from him.'' " 
 
 " His mind is wandering/' said Mrs. Mortimer, 
 as she watched the vacant expression of his gaze. 
 " Who is that, Vernon ? " 
 
 " ' I will praise Thy name, because Thou hast 
 done it, 5 " said Vernon again. There was some- 
 thing very solemn in the words uttered by the 
 small weak voice, while the speaker seemed so un- 
 conscious of the realities around him ; he seemed 
 to try to collect himself : "That Aunt — Reginald 
 — Aunt. Dear mother, you know the cup of cold 
 water. What a comfort Louis has been to me ! :i 
 
 " My darling/ 5 said his mother, " are you rest- 
 ing on your Saviour ? are you able ? "
 
 nvsmvooD nuoiiY. 175 
 
 The question did not seem to reach him in its 
 full meaning, for the mind seemed partially dis- 
 turbed. Presently he said, "Jesus, Master, haw 
 mercy upon me ! God has been merciful to mi 
 sinner. Oh, wonderful love ! M 
 
 They stood around in mingled dread and grati- 
 tude, and in a little while he roused himself more 
 perfectly, and spoke with more strength. 
 
 " Dearest mother ! dear aunt ! how long you 
 have been watching a poor self-willed sinner! I 
 want to see my lather, and poor grandfather. 
 Erery one, mother. There's a strange feeling in 
 my head ; but I am not alarmed/' he added 
 calmly. 
 
 It Mas not long before Sir George and Sir 
 Francis, with some of the elder members' of tin 
 family, arrived. Vernon held out his hands to 
 them, and looked unutterable affection at his 
 father. 
 
 " Forgive all my petulance, dear father — deal 
 grandfather. I have caused you much sorrow, all 
 by my self-will, and I have Buffered much; but 
 that is gone. Louis ! ,; The strange wild 
 presnoil passed over his face, and, apparently un- 
 coil of his weakness, he made a greal efforl 
 to colli et his thoughts, and thanked them all : 
 their kinds 
 
 ' I ! '■■'. • an humble hope. — Oh, all remember, 
 . God before the evil days come." 
 
 lie attempted to speak again, but Ins spi eeli 
 
 grew incoherent, and after anothei eaiD < (Fort, he
 
 176 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 closed his eyes for sleep, as though no one were 
 present. Sir Francis knelt in speechless grief at 
 the head of the bed, and took the small passive 
 hand again. Mr. Mortimer, inviting all present 
 to join, commended the dying youth to his God, 
 thanking him for the peace they trusted he had 
 found at last. It was very solemn, but joy was 
 even in the midst, among those who had longed 
 for his soul's safety. Before the prayer was con- 
 cluded, Vernon, who had appeared quite uncon- 
 scious, was in a sweet slumber. It lasted for 
 several hours. He woke towards midnight, and 
 asked for some water, but there was no reco^ni- 
 tion of the presence of his relations. His wan- 
 dering mind strayed on the passages that had 
 come upon him with the dawn of light, in his last 
 hours. As he finished the water, he murmured — 
 
 " They set a fair mitre on his head. Lead me 
 to living fountains — the Lamb shall do that. If 
 thou knewcst the gift of God. Mother, the gift 
 of God is eternal life ! " 
 
 His unwearied watchers caught many disjointed 
 fragments of texts; but he sank to sleep again 
 without any consciousness of their attention, and 
 in that long sleep of many hours, his spirit passed 
 away. 
 
 We will not lightly touch on their grief. It 
 was not sorrow without hope, and it left abiding 
 impressions. Sir Francis did not soon forget his 
 beloved son's last words, and when the first bit- 
 terness of his heavy grief was over, he sought
 
 DASHWOOI) ntlORY. 177 
 
 earnestly to lead his household more in the fear 
 of God than he had ever thought necessary. One 
 strong tie that bound him to earth was removed., 
 and in after-years he blessed the Hand that had 
 taken his idol. 
 
 Young reader, remember .vow thy Creator in 
 the days of thy youth, before the evil days draw 
 nigh. The evil day may be sudden — there may 
 be no time to call, " God be merciful to me ! " In 
 that dread hour of darkness and dismay, what can 
 support the trembling sinner, but the blood of 
 It -us? It has been justly observed, "The Bible 
 gives one instance of death-bed repentance, that 
 none may despair; and but one, that none may 
 presume. You cannot believe of your own will. 
 This is • the gift of God/ If you refuse Him 
 that speaketh now, offering you that gift, He may 
 refuse it to you in your hour of need. Strive to 
 <ntei' in at the strait gate; for many shall seek 
 to enter, and shall not be able, when once the 
 Master of the house hath shut to the door. ;i
 
 178 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 " When now mature in classic knowledge, 
 The joyful youth is sent to college." 
 
 /. Warion. 
 
 Months rolled away. Arthur Digby had passed 
 his final examination, and taken honours, — infe- 
 rior, indeed, to those of his brother, but the more 
 honourable to him, as he belonged to a college 
 which had the unenviable reputation of doing 
 little. Meredith and Reginald pursued their 
 studies with a moderate degree of application; 
 and Frank, after drawing on himself censure in 
 various ways for a few terms, concluded his career 
 at Cambridge, by being presented with a liceat 
 migrare, in consequence of a practical joke played 
 off on one of the dons. 
 
 Arthur Digby's twenty-first birthday passed 
 quietly, the festivities being confined solely to 
 the tenantry, the family leaving the castle for a 
 month, and spending the Christmas season quietly 
 at a small watering-place. When it was decided 
 that Louis' health was sufficiently established, 
 and that he had attained a sufficiently mature age 
 to brave the fatigues and fascinations of the uni- 
 versity, the grand difficulty to be settled was 
 where he was to be placed. Mr. Mortimer had
 
 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 179 
 
 hitherto, for many reasons, given the preference 
 to Cambridge, though retaining a natural yearn- 
 ing for Oxford, which was his own university. 
 Many of Reginald's friends and relations were at 
 Cambridge, and its vicinity to Dashwood rendered 
 it the more desirable for his eldest son, especially 
 as Mr. Mortimer dreaded the baneful effects of the 
 doctrine promulgated at Oxford. Yet, although 
 the latter reason would seem to hold good more 
 in Louis' case than Reginald's, Louis' tastes and 
 acquirements pointed to Oxford as the university 
 best calculated to call them forth ; and as Regi- 
 nald had already passed half his time, there was 
 less inducement to place him with his brother ; 
 whereas Hamilton and many of Louis' school- 
 fellows were at Oxford. Finally, as Louis' own 
 « ishes all went south, Mr. Mortimer decided on 
 gratifying him ; and his father's old college being 
 chosen, his name was placed on the books. 
 
 The summer that saw his nineteenth year com- 
 pleted was destined for his matriculation ; and lii 
 
 hi !' availed himself of the opportunity afforded 
 by a long-promised visit to an old friend near 
 Oxford, and took Louis up with him. A i 
 
 days after their arrival at House, they Bet 
 
 off in an open carriage to the renowned city, 
 which was ten miles distant. 
 
 " Oh, rather \" exclaimed Louis, ai thej dren 
 oear the end of their journey, and were entering 
 Oxford by the London road, — " Oh, father ! what 
 a beautiful place it is! Tell me, can I sec my 
 
 N 2
 
 180 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 college ? What towers are those ? — and that 
 dome ? It is far more beautiful than Cambridge. 
 It seems as full of trees as Norwich ; but Norwich 
 cannot boast those towers and that dome." 
 
 Mr. Mortimer was very ready to explain all his 
 son desired, and was in the midst of the informa- 
 tion as to which was the Radclyffe Library, which 
 All Souls, and which Christ Church, when a sweep 
 of the road materially altered their view, and, 
 passing Maudlen Bridge, they were driving up 
 High-street at a rapid rate. Here Louis was so 
 entranced, that he forgot to speak ; and it was 
 not till he was fairly set down at the " Mitre " 
 that he expressed to his father his conviction that 
 he had never seen so beautiful a street, and that 
 Oxford far exceeded all his expectations. 
 
 Freshmen ! ye will excuse the many bewilder- 
 ing sensations, — the sort of rapturous awe, — the 
 feeling of conscious dignity, that he was to belong 
 to that city, to make one of its numerous gowns- 
 men, whom he now thought of as almost superior 
 beings. At any rate, I may be excused for sup- 
 posing that a youth of nineteen had not risen 
 quite superior to them. 
 
 " Well, Louis," said his father, when he had 
 given his directions respecting the carriage, " now 
 to business. We have much before us ; and, first, 
 we must find out my old friend, your future tutor, 
 Louis." 
 
 Louis was standing an intent spectator of the 
 passers-by.
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 181 
 
 " Father, I believe I saw Trevanniou just now ; 
 and, look, surely that is Charles Clifton." 
 
 I If was about to dart after the retreating: 
 figure, when it suddenly disappeared; where, he 
 was not quite certain, for he was at some distance 
 on the opposite side of the way. 
 
 " Come, I cannot afford time for chases after 
 your schoolfellows now/' said his father. " Come 
 along." 
 
 A few minutes' walk brought them to 
 
 College, and here they repaired to the tutor's 
 rooms. Mr. Mortimer was warmly welcomed by 
 his old friend, to whom Louis was, of course, duly 
 introduced. Shall we be allowed to say that his 
 feelings on this introduction Mere of a very similar 
 description to those which possessed him in the 
 ancient days of his boyhood, when set down at 
 t lie door of Ash field House; but his inexperienced 
 imagination on the subject of college authorities 
 was considerably modified by the plain, courteous, 
 and polished manners of the gentleman now before 
 him, who, so far from having all his sympathies 
 with the outer world rubbed off by his long, deep 
 classical studies, had vet a smile and a tone oi 
 interest for the young aspirant's admiration 
 
 • familiar to himself. They did not 
 remain long in inaction, time being precious; and 
 after a little conversation, the principal subjects 
 of which were our hero's admission and immediate 
 
 matriculati a, Mr. L turned to Louis, and 
 
 asked what books he had been reading Lately;
 
 182 , DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 and having made it at length clear to his mind 
 that he spoke of Latin and Greek authors, he 
 produced a copy of iEschylus, and opening it 
 in the middle of " Prometheus Vinctus," desired 
 him to construe a few lines, and, after asking 
 some questions, expressed himself satisfied, and 
 gave him ten lines of an English work, which lay 
 on the table, to turn into Latin. Louis did not 
 find his task so hard as he expected, and was 
 agreeably relieved to learn that this concluded the 
 inquiry ; and having further signified his willing- 
 ness to swear to the Thirty-nine Articles, they set 
 out on the important business. The first step 
 was to procure a cap and gown ; and this being 
 done at the nearest tailor's, they wended their way 
 to the convocation-house. . It mattered little to 
 Louis that his father was too much engaged to 
 talk to him during the promenade thither ; he 
 had food enough for thought all the way, in the 
 buildings, and would willingly have lingered 
 longer in Kadclyffe-square : but here business 
 commenced of which Louis had afterwards very 
 little clear consciousness, for he afterwards told 
 Mary, who was very anxious to hear all the pro- 
 ceedings, that he did not know what was said or 
 done; the ceremony might have been in Greek 
 or Hebrew, for anything he knew to the contrary, 
 as he was too much overcome by the part he was 
 taking to be aware of more than the fact that he 
 kissed a book, signed his name, and, obedient to 
 a hint from Mr. L , he retraced his steps, and
 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 183 
 
 found himself again at the college-gates before he 
 fully realized his new position. As it wanted yet 
 some time to the dinner-hour, and as Mr. Mor- 
 timer had one or two flying calls to pay, — one 
 especially on Frank Digby, who had lately come 
 up to reside at Oxford in Louis' college, — he bid 
 
 adieu to Mr. L here, with the understanding 
 
 that they should meet at five, Mr. L having 
 
 informed Louis where he would find a place and 
 dinner at that hour. Not being aware of the 
 predilection the " men" possess for tattered gowns 
 and battered caps, Louis marched along in his 
 new-blown splendour, unconscious that the long 
 leading-strings, whose use he could not compre- 
 hend, should, to make a man of him, have been 
 cut off. However, it signified but little, for his 
 very new appearance, and undisguised admiration 
 of everything around him, betrayed him as a very 
 freshman at once. Frank was out ; and when 
 everything was done that had been contemplated, 
 Louis and his father retraced their steps. The 
 • eta were now full of men returning from their 
 Iks and rid id Louis carefully scrutinized 
 
 the faces he passed, to catch sight of one familiar 
 to himself. For some time his search was vain; 
 but as th ae upon Carfax ehureh, lie rad- 
 
 ii; caught sight of an elegant figure, wh< 
 ic bearing and beautifully-chiselled f< 
 tares were unmistakable, even after four years' 
 Q( ■ of time. Louis darted from his father 
 
 ' eet with a welcome OH hi- lips, hut
 
 181 DASHWOOD PRIOllY. 
 
 the stately figure swept by without appearing to 
 see him, and, meeting a friend, proceeded at a 
 slower rate down St. Aldate's. Louis stood a 
 minute in rather indignant surprise, and it re- 
 quired all his father's eloquence to persuade him 
 that Trevannion had not seen him. 
 
 Mr. Mortimer and Louis parted near the hall 
 entrance, and the dinner-bell ringing at the 
 moment, Louis was left to make his entree alone. 
 As he stood doubtfully at the door, the men began 
 to pour in, and screwing his courage to the stick- 
 ing-point, he timidly stepped into a noble apart- 
 ment, of somewhere between forty and sixty feet 
 long, and thirty feet broad. It was lighted by 
 windows of the Perpendicular style, which began 
 about half-way up the wall, and was hung round 
 with numerous portraits of benevolent founders 
 and great guns. On each side of the wall, and 
 down the middle, were ranged the tables, with 
 stout forms of the same dark oak as the panellings 
 of the room ; and at the further end was the fel- 
 lows' table, at which Louis presently saw his father, 
 and which seemed to him a species of royal dais, 
 so little did he feel himself in the assemblage, and 
 so utterly indifferent did every one seem to his 
 presence. He had completely forgotten all the 
 directions given him, and was about to take a 
 seat at the lowest end of the lowest table, when a 
 well-known voice and merry laugh, which at this 
 juncture sounded most musically, told him of his 
 cousin's vicinity, and the next minute Frank had
 
 DASHWOOD PUIOKY. 185 
 
 led him to another table, and placed him comfort- 
 ably near himself. lie was scarcely seated, when 
 a solitary knock, followed by an immediate rising 
 of the men, drew him again to his feet, and after 
 a few indistinct words, mumbled somewhere, which 
 he concluded was a grace, he with the others re- 
 seated himself. A bill of fare was next put into 
 his hand, and having made choice of his dish, he 
 was speedily served therewith, and after a few 
 minutes ventured to look round and listen to the 
 conversation, which at first had to him been an 
 indistinguishable Babel. Opposite to him sat a 
 very solemn, demure-looking man, apparently 
 several years older than any at the table. He 
 said but little, except when roused by his neigh- 
 bours, or occasionally by a satirical-looking man 
 on Louis' left hand, whose tone and manner had 
 annoyed our hero several times, from its sarcastie 
 causticity : he felt almost afraid of being the object 
 of his -ridicule. Between him and Frank there 
 il to be some intimacy, and they bandied 
 and dn w out alternately the ludicrous points 
 of their ris-i/-ris. 
 
 Loui>' attention was presently absorbed by a 
 tali' of some inexperienced equestrian, related with 
 considerable humour by his satirical companion^ 
 whose aame he soon discovered to be Ford; bu1 
 the noise increased bo much, that, eager to lose 
 nothing, he caught only disjointed fragments, and 
 Pord [) — ssing the Loudesl voice, bia story was 
 most prominent. It died away amidst plaudits oi
 
 186 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 tt 
 
 very rich," " bravo," " very good." " Perfectly 
 luscious, as Halhed says of the moon ; eh, Halhed. 
 What's that ? what's that ? » 
 
 " Some monkish reason why the weather has 
 been so fine this month," returned the gentleman 
 addressed. 
 
 " Let us hear it, Halhed." 
 
 The solemn gentleman, who had been uttering 
 a few sentences in an oracular tone, replied as 
 sententiously as before, — 
 
 " Prima, secunda nihil, tertia sicut. 
 
 " Quarta, quinta qualis — tota luna talis." 
 
 "A sconce ! a sconce !" cried Ford. "Benson, 
 a sconce here." 
 
 The senior commoner, thus appealed to, broke 
 oif a sentence short, to inquire of Mr. Halhed 
 whether he denied it. 
 
 " In toto," replied Mr. Halhed, indignantly. 
 
 " Ford, please to enlighten us." 
 
 Ford repeated the distich, while Frank re- 
 marked on Halhed's reply to Louis, that he 
 happily just stopped short of another sconce. 
 
 " A sconce for Mr. Halhed," called Mr. Benson 
 to the attendant waiter. 
 
 " I shall appeal ! " exclaimed the indignant 
 Mr. Halhed. "That does not come under the 
 statute. It is no quotation." 
 
 " I am afraid the heads will think you a bad 
 scholar, if you don't call that Latin, Halhed," 
 said the senior. 
 
 " You will make yourself ridiculous," said
 
 DASIIW00D FRIOBY. 187 
 
 mother. " They gave it against you last 
 
 ;ime." 
 
 " Come now, you can't be obdurate," said 
 Hamilton, as a huge silver tankard was placed 
 jefore him, full of frothing ale. 
 
 To Louis' great amusement, the sconced martyr 
 ifted the tankard with one hand, and touching 
 he liquid with his lips, sent it up to the senior, 
 ,vho performed the ceremony with equal agility, 
 ind apparently with much greater zest, as he dived 
 nuch deeper into its contents. The tankard was 
 :hen passed gradually round the table, till it 
 •eached Louis, who, with a heightened colour, was 
 ibout to pass it on to Frank without tasting, when 
 Ford cried out, — 
 
 " Come, you are not to be excused ; when we 
 ire at Rome, et cetera." 
 
 " You must taste it, Louis," said Frank, with a 
 vickcd smile. 
 
 Louis raised it with both hands, and ere he had 
 I the ale, several voices laughingly called out. 
 f A sconce here, Benson." The colour deepened 
 3n Louis' face, and he put down the tankard with 
 tu inquiring look at his cousin, who seemed the 
 merriest of the merry at the trap into which he 
 had fallen. "Why?" he asked, but. with a per- 
 fectly good-tempered manner; but before Frank 
 could inform him that he had used both hands to 
 the tankard, contrary to all established cu-toin, 
 Mr. Benson had politely excused Lonia as a non- 
 resident.
 
 188 DASHW00D PRIOllY. 
 
 "You are a fortunate man/' said Ford, as 
 Frank removed the tankard. " You will not be 
 caught again." 
 
 Louis was not sorry when dinner was concluded. 
 Frank showed him the way to the common room, 
 where he had been desired to join his father. On 
 his entrance he was invited to the table, where 
 his father was seated, and a hope having been 
 expressed that he had made a good dinner, he was 
 supplied with a glass of fine old port, and left to 
 amuse himself by taking a mental inventory of 
 the comfortable room and its occupants for the 
 benefit of home, while his father and Mr. L. dis- 
 coursed very eloquently on thirds and scouts, and 
 lectures, and private tutors. He was perhaps a 
 little relieved to find how very much like other 
 men the fellows were, and how they could talk 
 of horses and politics without a single Latin or 
 Greek word, his own imaginings having led him 
 to suppose that these erudite men never spoke of 
 anvthinsj but classic authors, or the roots of words, 
 or uttered a sentence in the vernacular when not 
 called on to descend to the comprehension of an 
 unlettered stranger. One of the party especially 
 attracted Louis' attention; this was a queer-looking 
 little man, carelessly attired, who gave utterance 
 occasionally to dry remarks, striking from their 
 oddity and pithiness. There was a world of kind- 
 liness in his small twinkling eye, which Louis met 
 fixed on him more than once, till at length, when 
 Louis blushed at being caught so often looking
 
 DASIIWOOD PRIOHY. 189 
 
 [hat way, he addressed a few words to him, and 
 liter our hero's modest reply, asked if he had any 
 friends in Oxford. 
 
 Louis answered in the affirmative, mentioning 
 liis " cousin " and a " very intimate friend." 
 
 " Umph ! indeed," said the old gentleman, 
 holding up his glass to the light, and looking over 
 it to Louis. " And who may your cousin be, and 
 your 'intimate friend?' if you have no objection 
 to name them." 
 
 Louis mentioned Hamilton and Frank, and the 
 i/ld man's countenance brightened, as he said, — 
 
 • Mr. Hamilton is a credit to his college;" but 
 the smile lingered on his face, though he did not 
 speak of Frank. 
 
 Louis at length ventured to inquire if he knew 
 Frank. 
 
 " Umph ! I suppose I know most of the ' men,' 
 as they call themselves. Poor boys, — I hope you 
 and 1 shall be friends some day; but perhaps you 
 think, like some of the harum scarum fellows of 
 tin- day, that you come up for fun, and go home 
 to read, — eh ?" 
 
 " I hope not," replied Louis, smiling. 
 
 "Ay, s" they all say,— umph!" said the gen- 
 tleman, with a slightly satisfied glance at the 
 modest blush on Louis' countenance. '' Take 
 Care and keep close to your intimate friend ; he'll 
 keep you up to the mark. As for the other — 
 pom- lad, — he came from Cambridge, I hear ; — 
 
 umph! — very unsettled; — never do any good."
 
 190 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 He murmured something to himself; but in 
 spite of his sweeping censure on Frank, Louis 
 felt sure that, as usual, his incorrigible cousin 
 had somehow worked himself into his good graces. 
 There was a slight pause, and Mr. Royston sipped 
 his wine, and looked at Louis, and then asked 
 what he had seen at Oxford ; and, little by little, 
 drew him out, till Louis was surprised to find 
 how much he was talking, and how many ques- 
 tions he had asked about the birthplace of Coeur 
 de Lion, the residence of Henry Beauclerc, the 
 college used for a mint in the reign of Charles the 
 First ; that which had sent forth Erasmus, Laud, 
 Dr. Arnold, and others, with many other parti- 
 culars, which were all satisfactorily answered in a 
 few words, with now and then a little anecdote 
 annexed. Louis had almost forgotten the awful 
 presence in which he was, when the time arrived 
 for him to leave ; and after thanking Mr. L. for 
 his assistance, and Mr. Royston for his attention 
 to Louis, Mr. Mortimer departed for the Mitre, 
 and on the way informed Louis that his friend 
 Hamilton took pupils, and that he meant to try 
 to secure his sendees as private tutor for him. 
 Louis then added his mite of news, more in- 
 teresting to himself than to his father, that 
 Charles Clifton had gained a scholasrhip ; " and 
 do you know, father, he was the youngest 
 candidate, and quite astonished the examiners. 
 That old gentleman who talked so much to 
 me, told me that his competitors were no babies.
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 191 
 
 I always thought Charlie -would do something 
 for himself." 
 
 " That old gentleman/' replied Mr. Mortimer, 
 " is the mathematical tutor ; and I am afraid, 
 therefore, will not stand very high in your 
 favour/' 
 
 " I like him," said Louis, smiling, " however 
 much I may dislike his likings." 
 
 A\ i have already, more than on one occasion, 
 minutely described the arrival at Dashwood Priory; 
 our readers will therefore permit us to plead want 
 of space in excuse for omitting the recital of 
 Louis' return from Oxford, and the long tale he 
 had to tell his willing auditors, and allow us 
 merely to mention, that in a few months a letter 
 came from Mr. L., to inform Mr. Mortimer that, 
 a vacancy having occurred, Louis could come 'up 
 into residence. Parting for school and college 
 had been of so common occurrence for some 
 years, that the affectionate little party bore their 
 separation as quietly as could be expected. There 
 was great combination in the packing of his 
 Luggage: over and over again were their contents 
 displaced, to make room for some indispensable 
 
 i forgotten article; and when all seemed ready, 
 the oight before he set off, Mrs. Colthrop sud- 
 d' iilv declared her belief that no preserves were 
 packed up, and forthwith ordered another DOB 
 down to contain them. Then some groceries 
 were to till the interaticea between the pots, in 
 
 ea-e dear Master Lonis, who was so absentj — dear
 
 192 DASHWOOD PHIORY. 
 
 young gentleman, should forget to buy his neces- 
 saries ; and at last, after stowing away four times 
 as many things as Reginald would ever have put 
 up with, his luggage was declared to be quite 
 ready. The last evening was very cheerfully 
 spent ; as Louis now and then reminded them he 
 should only be away seven weeks. But there was, 
 nevertheless, a little sinking of the heart, — a little 
 fear of the temptations of his new life; not, 
 perhaps, the less that his father looked many 
 times anxiously at him, and his mother was less 
 cheerful than usual. They did not forget in 
 that little family circle, where all their affairs 
 were committed to the gracious Orderer of all 
 events, to remember him especially that night. 
 It was settled that Mr. Mortimer should accom- 
 pany his son to Oxford, and arrange the final 
 matters concerning his rooms : they were to set off 
 early the next day for London, concluding their 
 long journey the following afternoon. The next 
 morning their plans of operation were materially 
 altered; for unexpected parish matters peremp- 
 torily demanding Mr. Mortimer's presence the 
 day Louis was to commence his college life, he 
 was, much against his will, obliged to send Louis 
 alone from Norwich. 
 
 " God bless you, my boy," he said, as he shook 
 his son's hand ; " I hope to be with you in a day or 
 two. You will be able to manage tolerably, I hope. 
 Perhaps your friend Hamilton will help you." 
 
 Louis set off once more on a long, lonely
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 193 
 
 journey, often recalling that anxious inquiring 
 look he had met the previous evening from his 
 parents, and mentally resolving and praying that 
 no ill conduct of his should ever bring sorrow 
 upon them. 
 
 — T-^A^SF^Sflfc&dE^—
 
 194 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 " So he poked up the flame, 
 And got out the tea ; 
 And down they both sat, 
 As prepared as could be. " 
 
 Leigh Hunt. 
 
 Behold Louis safely at the gates of liis college 
 at half-past five o'clock on a rainy October after- 
 noon, bewildered and anxious to reach the habita- 
 tion he could call his own, quite unconscious, in 
 his eagerness to leave the " Mitre," where he had 
 been taking a hasty dinner, that he had given a 
 couple of packages m charge ot the porter which 
 did not belong to him, in exchange for an equal 
 number of his own. Having at length discovered 
 which were his rooms, his luggage was conveyed 
 thither, and he was left to his solitary reflections. 
 His first care was to examine his apartments. 
 The room into which he first entered was panelled 
 with dark oak, and possessed a venerable casement 
 window, whose romantic proportions quite accorded 
 with our hero's organ of veneration. But here 
 the charm ceased. The furniture, concerning 
 which he had heard so much about " thirds" on a 
 former occasion, was by no means of a first-rate 
 description ; and however much Louis might have
 
 DASIHVOOD PRIORY. 195 
 
 tolerated the smoky ceiling;, as consistent with the 
 antique whole, he by no means admired the dingy 
 faded window-curtains, the miserably stained 
 carpet, and the rickety chairs that adorned the 
 sitting-room. "Why, I do declare!" he said to 
 himself, "I do declare they must have been 
 smoking very much here ; surely when my father 
 comes I shall have a new carpet. Oh, here's 
 plenty of room for books though, and I shall put 
 my piano here. How kind it is of dear father to 
 let me have a piano." 
 
 Louis paused in his survey, as his thoughts 
 rapidly carried him back to home, and he remained 
 in rather a painful reverie, looking on the spot 
 where the piano in imagination stood. Rousing 
 himself, he next proceeded to an inspection of the 
 two cupboards the room contained, and concluded 
 with a minute survey of his sleeping-room. With 
 the latter he was not much charmed, either with 
 the size of the room or the appurtenances thereof, 
 and wondered, in alow voice, several times, "How 
 it wai possible to dress in such a closet." But 
 not being of an unhappy disposition, after scruti- 
 nizing all for some minutes, he returned to the 
 outer room, determining to make the best of 
 
 rcumitanoes. 
 
 •• How rery quiet it is, ,J he thought. "That is 
 
 a i comfort; but 1 suppose the men are not 
 
 all in yet." 
 
 It wai rapidly growing dusk, and Louis turned 
 to the dim lire, and wondered where be should 
 
 o J
 
 19G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 get candles, when the scout was coming, and then 
 looked for the poker. There was none, and the 
 fire was very low. Louis waited patiently, divested 
 himself of his great coat, kicked the gasless coals 
 with his toe, and finally sat down in the window. 
 He would have begun to unpack, but he could 
 not see to put away his things ; and besides, he 
 was tired, and did not feel much inclined to litter 
 his room in every direction with jam-pots, linen, 
 and broad-cloth. Patiently he sat, still hoping 
 each minute would bring the scout ; but the faint 
 light gradually faded away, the dim fire sunk 
 lower and lower, and the room, though not posi- 
 tively cold, was chilly and very desolate. He 
 wandered round the room in desperation, looking 
 and feeling in every corner for the signs of a bell, 
 but could find none. 
 
 "How am I to get this man?" he murmured. 
 He looked once more out of the window, but all 
 he could discern in the uncertain light was a 
 shadowy outline of a porter with luggage at the 
 further side of the " quad," and two men entering 
 a door in the same direction. From two windows 
 the ruddy glow of fire-light came forth, and 
 another blind was radiant with lamp or candle- 
 light ; but beyond this there was nothing but 
 thick clouds and splashing and dripping. At 
 length Louis saw a man hastily cross the quad in 
 his direction, with a lantern in his hand, and he 
 ventured to open his door and steal out timidly 
 on the landing. Nothing was to be heard, and
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOKV. 197 
 
 nothing was to be seen. He descended, still very 
 cautiously, and, much afraid of going somewhere 
 where he ought not, at length reached the ground- 
 floor, and commenced a search for his cousin's 
 rooms, which he knew were somewhere there : 
 and there they were sure enough, with the outer 
 door fast. Louis knocked ; no answer: a second 
 time, but all was silent; but just when he was 
 venture into the quadrangle to find the 
 retreat of the gate porter, to his great relief a 
 middle-aged man, with a lantern, entered rapidly 
 and approached him. 
 
 "Beg pardon, sir; mistaken your rooms?" 
 He turned his lantern curiously on Louis. 
 
 " I want Mr. Digby/' said our hero. 
 
 " He's not come in yet, sir." 
 
 " I thought every one was obliged to come in 
 to-day," said Louis, feeling very much as if he 
 had been caught doing a wrong thing. 
 
 Y< 8; sir; but most of the gentlemen doesn't 
 knock in till late." 
 
 "Are you the scout'.-" asked Louis. "The 
 porter al the gate told me he would send you. 1 
 
 want some coals and BOme candles in my room. 
 And there'- no poker." 
 
 ■• Plenty of coals, sir" said the man, as he 
 followed Louis. "Mr. Mortimer?" he added. 
 inquiring!} Louis approached the open door. 
 replied in the affirmative; and the man 
 
 tering presently produced a couple of candle- 
 
 from a small room or closet, about half the
 
 198 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 size of Louis' bed-room, which he had not 
 observed; next he brought out a poker, and 
 stirred the fire. 
 
 "'Fraid you've been very uncomfortable, sir. 
 Have you any candles, sir? There was none 
 ordered." 
 
 " No ; really," said Louis, " I don't know any- 
 thing about them. Cannot you get me one for 
 to-night ?" 
 
 " I'll see if I can borrow one or two, sir." 
 
 He went away, and returned in a few minutes 
 with a couple of candles, and placing them in the 
 sticks, lighted one, and then busied himself in 
 laying a few sticks on the fire ; when, to Louis' 
 surprise, he lifted the window-seat on which he 
 had been sitting and abstracted thence two or 
 three shovelfuls of coal. 
 
 " That's where the coals is, sir ; all handy, sir ; 
 and when you want anything, sir, if you summon 
 me, I'll make all straight." 
 
 " Thank you," said Louis, smiling ; " I shall be 
 wiser next time : but how am I to summon vou ? 
 I see no bell here." 
 
 " The gentlemen calls out of the doors and 
 windows, sir ; they ain't no ways particular about 
 bells." 
 
 " And what is vour name ?" asked Louis. 
 
 " Harry, sir." 
 
 Louis looked puzzled, and the scout finished by 
 asking if he could get him anything. 
 
 "1 should like some tea by-and-by," said
 
 i' mi. 
 
 Louis's Colle,
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 199 
 
 Louis. " Can you get me some boiling water, or 
 must I make it myself ? " 
 
 This question was presently answered by the 
 appearance of a battered copper teakettle from 
 the closet before mentioned, which was already 
 ■tilled with water ; then Louis asked his assistance 
 in undoing his store-box, mentally thanking the 
 provident old housekeeper for her provision of 
 groceries The scout hinted the necessity of pro- 
 Aiding some sheets for the bedmaker, as he turned 
 over the box indicated. 
 
 " But these are not my boxes/ 5 exclaimed 
 Louis. " What am I to do ? I shall have no tea 
 and no bed apparently to-night." 
 
 The scout and his new master stood looking at 
 one another, and Louis afterwards wondered that 
 the former could keep his countenance so im- 
 moveably. 
 
 " Well, sir," he said, at length, " we must get 
 these to their right owners. 'Mr. Moreton/ — 
 ♦hat's No. 3, corner staircase, — not my staircase, 
 — right-hand side. Is your boxes got a full direc- 
 tion on 'em, sir?" 
 
 Louis replied in the affirmative, and the scout 
 remarked, — 
 
 "Then they'll reach all safe enough, I dare 
 
 Bui can vuu get me any tea?" said Louis, 
 ; '• can any one see alter my Luggage?" 
 "You left it where, sir ? " 
 \t the • Mure.'"
 
 200 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 The scout reassured him, and then vanished to 
 procure some tea for our poor bewildered hero. 
 
 During his absence, Louis dolefully watched 
 the ascending flames of his very young-looking 
 fire, and mentally wondered when he might cal- 
 culate on the kettle boiling. Before he had solved 
 this problem, his messenger returned, bringing 
 with him a pleasant-looking young man, whose 
 frank and cordial manner prepossessed him di- 
 rectly. 
 
 " I hear you are in distress," he said. " My 
 name is Nevinson ; I keep near you. This is a 
 very uncomfortable beginning," he said, smiling ; 
 "will you come and take a bachelor's tea with 
 me ? I can offer it hot, with a good fire, too." 
 
 "You are very kind," said Louis, warmly 
 shaking the proffered hand ; " I shall be very 
 glad indeed to accept your kind offer, for I am 
 most unfortunately situated. I have brought 
 another man's luggage by mistake, and am afraid 
 I am doomed either to the floor or sofa, or a 
 sheetless and pillow-caseless bed to-night." 
 
 " Harry has been to me twice to-night on your 
 behalf/' said his new friend, " and has told me all 
 your troubles. If your luggage does not arrive 
 soon, I shall be very happy to lend you some 
 sheets. Harry will fetch them." 
 
 " I am really in too great a state of distress to 
 refuse your kind offer," replied Louis; "I am 
 very much obliged to you." 
 
 "Well, come along to my rooms; yours offer
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOKV. 201 
 
 but a desolate welcome to a freshman. We will 
 leave the Held fair to Harry and the bedmaker ; 
 and I dare say all will be comfortable enough 
 when you return." 
 
 Louis followed his new friend across the land- 
 ing to an open door, whence the reflection of a 
 ruddy lire glowed, and presently found himself in a 
 most enticing-looking snuggery. This room was 
 panelled like his own ; but a blazing fire shone 
 upon red carpet, red curtains, red tablecloth, and 
 plain substantial furniture. An Argand lamp 
 burned on a table in front of the fire, on which 
 Mas placed a small tcatray, resplendent with gild- 
 ing, and a solitary cup and saucer, black teapot, 
 cream-jug, and sugar-basin. Beyond the tray 
 were bread and butter, and a preserve-pot of capa- 
 cious dimensions. On a little table, on one side 
 of the fire, were two or three books, and in front 
 of the fire a large red morocco library-chair, which 
 it was easy to imagine the owner had just vacated. 
 A kettle, too large for the fireplace, was tenderly 
 balanced on the edges of the hobs, and was now 
 Bending forth huge columns of steam, very sug- 
 'iveofanice cup of tea. To finish the pic- 
 «•, a well-stocked set of book-shelves on one 
 
 Bide, a chess-board and box <>!' men and a flute on 
 
 mall console table, and one or two framed en- 
 rings hanging against the walls, attracted 
 
 Louis 1 eyes, and instantly assured him of tin 
 
 quii - <>r inv nm acquaintance. 
 
 Mr. Nevinson wheeled the large chair to th.
 
 20.2 dashwood priory. 
 
 snuggest side of the fire, and invited Louis to seat 
 himself; and on Louis demurring about occupying 
 it, lie merrily produced a smaller one from a dark 
 corner of the room. 
 
 " I always keep one for my friends and myself 
 too. Now turn vours round to the front: vou 
 are cold, and I am done to a turn. It is rather 
 an uncomfortable evening." 
 
 " Rather ! " echoed Louis : " a verv miserable 
 evening, I think. You are very moderate in your 
 terms ; I suppose because your room is so snug." 
 
 " Or, rather," replied Nevinson, quietly, " be- 
 cause I have an antipathy to railing at the 
 weather." 
 
 Louis coloured ; but the reply was like music 
 to his ears. 
 
 " So have I too," he answered, " and I stand 
 rebuked for my forgetfulness." 
 
 Nevinson looked up at him with a peculiarly 
 bright smile, and filling a cup full of tea, tossed 
 it into the pot, then seizing the steaming kettle, 
 filled it. 
 
 " You shall have a cup directly. We are our 
 own tea-makers here, and very good tea-makers 
 we become in a marvellously short time ; we beat 
 all the mothers and sisters hollow. I won't say 
 much for economy, though ; you will find a very 
 liberal spirit characteristic of Oxonians. "VYe are 
 many of us not content only with giving our little 
 all, but what we want we ' borrow, borrow, 
 borrow ! ' However, rest content that this is an
 
 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 203 
 
 honest cup of tea, as I hope all you get here will 
 be" he added, as he replaced the kettle on the 
 hearth. " My kettle is on too magnificent a 
 scale for iny grate ; I assure you it requires a 
 conjurer's skill to stick it on the fire ; only Harry 
 and I can perfectly succeed. One man sticks it 
 down on one side, and the water runs out of the 
 lid, then he attempts to remedy it by damaging 
 the other half of the fire ; and another will arrange 
 so that it shall tumble over on your feet, if you 
 have the hardihood to sit near the fire when it 
 boils. I bought it a year and a half ago, when I 
 did not fully understand my means of accommo- 
 dation ; it has served my turn, and I don't like 
 discarding an old friend. Where's Harry, I 
 wonder ? " 
 
 Hardlv had he uttered the words, when the 
 scout appeared with some cold meat, which he 
 placed on the table, and then fetched another cup 
 and saucer, plate, knife and fork, from some 
 mysterious recess, and again vanished. 
 " You are hungry, I dare say, Mortimer." 
 "No, thank vou; I made a very fair dinner 
 
 before my arrival." 
 Nevinson then produced a toasting-fork and 
 Bel about making some toast, when, hia pre- 
 parations being completed, much to Lou 
 amusement, In- drew the large table nearer to the 
 lire, and invited Louis to partake of the repast. 
 Certainly our hero thought he had never seen so 
 
 black a CUp of tea as that now handed to him.
 
 201 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 "Sugar? cream?" inquired Nevinson, as he 
 produced from the tray the several receptacles 
 for these articles. 
 
 Louis thanked him, paused, and took some 
 cream. 
 
 "No sugar?" 
 
 " Yes, thank you;" replied Louis, almost afraid 
 to ask for something that might not be there. 
 He said nothing, but took his teaspoon and 
 helped himself very carefully to the saccharine 
 luxury. The pains he took in chasing the lumps 
 from side to side before he safely attained his 
 object attracted his host's attention. 
 
 " I see now what you want. How soon we 
 forget our old experience," he said, as he helped 
 himself with his finger and thumb. " We use no 
 other tongs here than those with which nature 
 has furnished us. I had a pair, but I don't well 
 know what has become of them. Pray do not 
 give yourself the trouble of fishing for your sugar 
 another time in that painful manner." 
 
 " I might have remembered too, how very ill- 
 mannered I thought my brother in that respect," 
 said Louis, " Avhen he returned home after his 
 first term." 
 
 " Had you a brother here ?" 
 
 " I have a brother now at Cambridge," replied 
 Louis. 
 
 " Have you any friends in Oxford ? " 
 
 " A few, I believe," replied Louis : " two in 
 this college."
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOKV. 205 
 
 " And who may they be?" 
 
 " My cousin Mr. Digby, and Mr. Hamilton." 
 
 "Oli. indeed: Disrbv is vour cousin, is he?" 
 Baid Nevinson. "What Hamilton are you speak - 
 ing of? There are two of that name, — William 
 Hamilton and Edward, who has graduated, 
 and lives out of college now. He is studying 
 the- law." 
 
 •• My 1 in nil's name is Edward," said Louis, 
 eagerly; "and I know he has taken his degree. 
 He is a very dear friend of mine. Do you know 
 him?" 
 
 ■• Very little; just to speak to," replied Ne- 
 vinson; "but I have really almost coveted his 
 friendship, though I am generally very indepen- 
 dent in such matters. He is a friend worth 
 having, Mortimer. Of course, you know he took 
 a double first, and his perseverance and industry 
 have only been equalled by the exemplary manner 
 in which he has passed through this ordeal. It 
 i> one," he added, looking at Louis; "and 
 much, I am sure, depends on our first acquaint- 
 ances and actions. We cannot be too careful 
 about our friends at Oxford; I am glad you have 
 bo valuable a one." 
 
 "Thank you," said Louis, gratefully. 
 
 A little more was said about Hamilton, and 
 
 passed from him to examinations, chapels, lec- 
 tures, and other college topic8, OD which Loins 
 was naturally anxious to gain as much information 
 as possible in the time. The tea was at length
 
 206 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 concluded, and the scout being summoned, cleared 
 the table, and, at the same time, informed Louis 
 that his missing luggage had arrived, again hinting 
 at the want of sheets. Louis rose, and afraid of 
 intruding any longer on the hospitality of his 
 kind entertainer, wished him good evening ; but 
 Nevinson would not hear of his leaving him, and 
 remonstrating on the loneliness of the project, 
 made him promise to return when the bedmaker's 
 wants were supplied. 
 
 Louis was not long absent, deferring his general 
 unpacking for a later period, and was once more 
 installed in his comfortable seat, while his new 
 friend went across the room for some coals. While 
 he was on this errand, Louis took up one of the 
 books that lay on the smaller table near him. It 
 was a treatise on chess; and not having much 
 sympathy with that game, laid it down again. The 
 next proved to be a pocket edition of Sophocles, 
 which bore evidences of much study. This was 
 also laid down, and Louis took a third, which proved 
 to be a neat pocket Bible, full in every direction 
 with little scraps of paper, scribbled all over. A 
 Concordance lay underneath it. Louis closed the 
 sacred volume very reverentially without any fur- 
 ther scrutiny, but a thrill of warm satisfaction 
 came over him as he saw it so evidently studied. 
 Nevinson saw his interest in the volumes, and as 
 he finished making up the fire and sat down again, 
 he said, — 
 
 " You don't find much to interest you there. 
 Are you a chess-player?"
 
 i>\>IIWO0D PRIOKY. 207 
 
 " No, not at all," said Louis; "I scarcely kuow 
 the moves." 
 
 " I am very fond of it ; it is a noble game/' 
 replied his companion : " and we all want recrea- 
 tion sometimes. You are fond of books thoudi, 
 I fancy," he said. 
 
 " Very" replied Louis. 
 
 "Well, I think that is the best of all tastes," 
 rejoined his new friend. 
 
 A silence ensued, when Louis said with great 
 feeling, bur ratlin- timidly, — 
 
 • I am very glad to sec one Book here. I am 
 sure ire -hall he true friends; at least, if you will 
 allow me to be your friend." 
 
 A little colour mounted into Nevinson's pale 
 face. He looked steadily into the fire, and for 
 a few seconds Louis thought he was offended; 
 but, hardly had the thought passed his mind, 
 when Nevinson held out his hand with a sweet. 
 frank smile. 
 
 " I must warn you, though," he said, " that 
 you must not judge that all will think as you and 
 I, upon whose table you see a Bible ; nay, not 
 u if it be full of notes. They may only be 
 ' divinity crams.' You know a certain portion ol 
 the Bible forma B part of our examination." 
 
 X*68, hut you had prepared me before," said 
 Loui> ; '"and here, where I expected to meet non 
 
 win. loved the things I am sure we both ralue, 
 it is doubly pleasant to find my first, acquaintance 
 a true friend." Both were silent tor a few minutes
 
 ?208 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 when a trampling up the stairs and some loud 
 talking attracted Louis' notice. 
 
 " What's that ? » 
 
 " Some of the men coming to their rooms, that's 
 all/' answered Nevinson. " You will hear this at 
 intervals, with a little extra noise in the quad till 
 nearly twelve o'clock : therefore vou must not be 
 alarmed if you are woke out of your first sleep by 
 a view hallo, or 'forward, there, after him !' or a 
 noisy scrap of a song, for the late ones will be 
 very uproarious." 
 
 The footsteps had died away somewhere over- 
 head, when the scout re-entered to ask the friends 
 if he could do anything more for either. Nevin- 
 son replied in the negative, and turned to Louis, 
 inquiring if there was anything he wanted further. 
 
 " I thank you," he said, hesitatingly ; " I think 
 not; you have shown me where to find everything 
 now. Stay, shall I not want a gown to-morrow ? 
 I quite forgot that. How can I get it now? " 
 
 " Oh, I dare say Harry can supply that want," 
 said Nevinson. " Harry, you will have a cap and 
 gown ready for Mr. Mortimer, to-morrow." Harry 
 signified his assent and comprehension of the 
 necessity, and disappeared. 
 
 Another hour was spent veiy cheerfully, and 
 the more Louis saw of his new friend, the more 
 he liked him. There was a boyish frankness and 
 sweetness, minjrled with so much true nobilitv of 
 character, that fascinated while he hardly defined 
 the wherefore, and an enthusiasm which delighted
 
 DASHWOOD PKIORY. 209 
 
 Louis, the more that it was tempered with so much 
 anxiety to fulfil his duty. At half-past nine our 
 
 hero took his leave, and his friend would accom- 
 pany him to his rooms, to see that all was right. 
 Louis found a bright tire, with caudles on the tabic 
 ready to light. His first care after lighting his 
 candles was to undo his grocery-box, in order to 
 procure some tea for breakfast. The cord had 
 been already removed ; but as it was a kind of deal 
 packing-case, carefully nailed down, his inexperi- 
 enced hands hardly knew how to open it. Nevin- 
 son, however, here came to his relief, and forcing 
 it open with the poker, after another inquiry if he 
 .ould be of any further service, and inviting him 
 to breakfast with him the next morning, wished 
 him good night, and left him to his meditation-. 
 The first thing Louis thought of when alone was 
 to fasten ins outer door, and then closing the 
 inner, he drew his chair to the fire and opened 
 his Bible 
 
 Christian reader! when, after a day of excite- 
 ment, til change of scene, and of disturbance of 
 thought, when perhaps this holy book has been so 
 packed away thai you have not been able to reach 
 does it not seem very sweet to look upon it 
 un'r How many sweel thoughts are recalled 
 by the sight-— ho* boh is that .still hour when you 
 
 can commune with its precious contents, and tei 1 
 
 thai wherever you are, those promises are yours, 
 and that though — 
 
 All tilings change, He ohaDgea i 
 P
 
 210 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Louis lay down that night in peace, and thank- 
 fully remembered the unexpected happiness of 
 finding a kindred spirit ; and college now seemed 
 to wear a brighter aspect. He thought if Nevin- 
 son could walk so blamelessly through its tempta- 
 tions, he might also. 
 
 Everv one who knows the effect of so new a 
 scene on so excitable an imagination as that of 
 our hero, will not wonder that he lay awake some 
 time after he retired to bed, dwelling over and 
 over again on the events of the day ; but the calm 
 which the Word of God had given, seemed shed 
 over all, and at length he sank into a sweet slum- 
 ber. How long he had slept he knew not, when 
 an extraordinary noise roused him in some alarm, 
 and it was a few minutes before his senses re- 
 minded him of the caution he load received, and 
 he distinguished the hasty trampling of feet, and 
 the noisy exclamations of some late revellers, 
 who had " knocked in " at the latest possible 
 minute. 
 
 He listened with the curiosity natural to his 
 position, but could hear nothing distinctly. The 
 noise dispersed gradually in various directions, a 
 portion coming up his staircase, and at last con- 
 centrating, as far as he was concerned, in a heavy 
 trampling, and subsequent laughing and singing 
 in the next room to his. This was all well enough 
 for a few minutes, but Louis naturally began to 
 wish for a cessation of it, when it had lasted half 
 an hour. But in vain he buried his head in the
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. J2 1 1 
 
 pillow, and turned from side to side in feverish 
 attempts to renew his slumbers; the noise con- 
 tinued with very little diminution till two o'clock, 
 and then for another half-hour the occupants of 
 the apartment appeared to be incessantly walking 
 about, at the end of which time, fairly worn out, 
 our hero fell asleep, and slept till he was roused 
 a second time by a tremendous noise at the head 
 of his bed, as if the Avail outside were falling. 
 He started up and listened. Daylight was peeping 
 through his window ; a little more rumbling and 
 the noise ceased. There was nothing more, and 
 In- ventured to lie down again, after ascertaining 
 that it was six o'clock. However, it was now too 
 late for more sleep, and he presently began to rise. 
 When his toilette was partially completed, he 
 heard the scout in his sitting-room commencing 
 operations for his comfort, and had just put the 
 last touch to his dress, when a loud " Sir-r/' with 
 the final r prolonged to an indefinite period, 
 brought him to the door of his room. 
 
 ■ Quarter-past seven, sir. Chapel at eight, sir. 
 
 wii and cap. Breakfast in your room, sir?' J 
 
 • No, thank you," replied Louis. " Whal am I 
 to pay you for this gown?" 
 
 '• Oli. ui ! gentlemen always pays at the end oJ 
 term, mi-.'' refilled the scout. 
 
 Louis said nothing more, and was presently let! 
 alone. He was not sorry lie had so much time 
 before him, for he could occupy it well till the 
 chapel hell began to ring, when arraying himself 
 
 v 'I
 
 212 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 directly in the gown provided for him, and with 
 more hesitation placing the shabby cap on his 
 head, he sallied forth and reached the chapel door 
 exactly Avith another man from the opposite side 
 of the quad. 
 
 They entered together, and Louis hesitatingly 
 turned to the stranger, — 
 
 " Can you tell me where I can sit ? I am very 
 fresh." 
 
 " You are one of the very few, I fancy, that like 
 to acknowledge their verdure," replied the stranger, 
 smiling. And leading the way into the body of 
 the chapel, Louis presently found himself in a 
 convenient seat, and after asking a blessing on the 
 morning service, he opened his Bible, which he 
 had brought in with him, and finding out the 
 lessons, endeavoured to fix his mind on them. In 
 about ten minutes the men began to pour in ; then 
 came the dons, and the bell ceasing, a young man 
 in gown and cap rushed to the door and closed it, 
 just as an undergraduate pushed in, in whom 
 Louis recognised Frank Digby. 
 
 Louis was not among those who deemed chapel 
 a " bore." He would gladly have lingered behind 
 the rush in the chapel, when the prayers were over. 
 Hardly had he stepped on the threshold when his 
 cousin arrested him with — 
 
 " So Louis, vou did come last night to nestle 
 under the wings of alma mater, till she considers 
 you ready to take a stall in the wide market of the 
 world. I understand you have been in a quandary,
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 213 
 
 and took refuge with a saint at last. You must 
 come arid breakfast with me this morning." 
 
 " I thank you, I am engaged." 
 Eh? You've not lost any time; to-morrow, 
 then." 
 
 •• I shall be very happy," answered Louis. 
 
 •lust at this moment a servant approached Louis 
 with a mi saage from Mr. L., inviting him to 
 breakfast with him. 
 
 •• What am 1 to do?" he said, turning to Frank. 
 " I am engaged to Xevinson." 
 
 •• Under the circumstances, he must excuse 
 yon,'" said Frank. 
 
 Louis hastily returned a proper message by 
 Mr. L.'s servant, and then ran toNevinson's rooms 
 to excuse himself. He then repaired to the tutor's 
 rooms by his direction, and had just reached them 
 when a heavy hand was laid on his shoulder, and 
 tiuning round, to his inexpressible delight Hamil- 
 ton's face greeted him. 
 
 Will. Nli. Mortimer, so vou have no eves for 
 
 . old friend, now you arc a man." 
 
 My dear Hamilton," exclaimed Louis, joy- 
 fully ; " indeed I have looked everywhere for you 
 nil yesterday. 1 was expecting to meet yousomc- 
 where, and could not, amid the sea of strange 
 faci 
 
 For a good reason/' said Hamilton, with B 
 
 quiet smile; "because I arrived in the night. 
 Louis, you are sadly undignified \ 1 am afraid you 
 have a considerable remnant yet of boyhood about
 
 214 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 you. These are raptures quite beyond the dignity 
 of an Oxonian, I assure vou." 
 
 " I do not care/' replied Louis, laughing. " I 
 hope I shall never be ashamed to acknowledge 
 that I am glad to see vou. I shall be ashamed of 
 myself then." 
 
 " Well, whither are vou bound ? This is not 
 the way to your rooms, I presume." 
 
 Louis informed his friend of his destination, 
 and found to his great satisfaction that Hamilton 
 was to be of the tutor's party. Accordingly, the 
 two friends made their entrance together. There 
 were three -of four besides, to whom Louis was 
 introduced, and much pleasant conversation en- 
 sued. Louis was pleased to see the evident esti- 
 mation in which his beloved friend was held, and 
 listened with much pride to his sensible and in- 
 telligent remarks. Hamilton being now no longer 
 an undergraduate, having taken his B.A., was 
 located in lodgings in thecitv: as he was studvimr 
 for the bar, he was not likely to leave college for 
 a year or two, — much of course to Louis' satisfac- 
 tion. The other young men present were all of 
 more than a year's standing, and were reputed to 
 be of the steadiest reading men in the college. 
 There were no lectures that morning, and Hamil- 
 ton suggested, when he and Louis had left the 
 tutor's, the propriety of a walk, and making some 
 acquaintance with the environs of Oxford. It was 
 no little advantage to our hero to have so sub- 
 stantial a friend, especially as Hamilton was as
 
 DASHWOOD PBIORY. 215 
 
 determined to exercise a surveillance over Louis 
 here as he had been at Ashfield House. Their 
 conversation for some time during their walk 
 turned upon manners and customs at Oxford; but 
 as they emerged from the immediate precincts of 
 tin* city, it insensibly fell on their old school- 
 fellows, many of whom were in residence there, 
 or had just left; and Hamilton had many things 
 to relate of them, which were very interesting to 
 Louis. 
 
 • \ on will be surprised," he said, "to sec what 
 a nice fellow Trcvannion has grown. Gentlemanly 
 he always was, but he is really fascinating now. 
 Old Wykeham says, 'Manners maketh the man;' 
 if so, Trevannion 's a splendid specimen of a man. 
 If college would do as much for us all, Louis, we 
 should have reason to think much of it ; I am 
 sure, however, it has done little for me in that 
 respect. I am as uncivil and as unceremonious 
 as ever, and care even less than ever for others' 
 opinions ; and that, I believe, is what we all learn, 
 mure or less, as we grow older and see more of 
 the world. We understand the worth of any 
 man's praise." 
 
 ■■ Perhaps so," said Louis. "I suppose I am 
 hardly old enough to have arrived a1 that happy 
 comprehension: I am afraid I am very susceptible 
 vi-t ; and vou — vou have worked as hard as if you 
 cared." 
 
 •• Tli.:' - an old notion of duty, Louis ■ and yet, 
 perhaps, we know little of ourselves when v.
 
 216 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 we are indifferent to others' opinions. We are 
 very dependent on one another. You have not 
 heard of Clifton's success, perhaps?" 
 
 "Yes, I heard of it in the summer; Mr. Roy- 
 ston told me." 
 
 " Do you know that Ferrers was one of the 
 candidates, and besides being his senior, he is a 
 two-year man." 
 
 "Do you know Ferrers now, Hamilton?" 
 asked Louis. 
 
 " Well, upon my word, I don't, Louis ; I never 
 felt inclined to renew the acquaintance. He never 
 was a friend of mine, and his cool behaviour of 
 old to you quite disgusted me. He is very steady, 
 I believe ; at least I hear nothing to the contrary ; 
 but there is something about him that alwavs 
 repels me." 
 
 " I am sorry for that," replied Louis, " because 
 you would do him so much good." 
 
 Hamilton made no reply, and presently changed 
 the subject. 
 
 " So Frank Digby 's migrated. Some people 
 prophesied truly." 
 
 " Unhappily," replied Louis. " I hope all will 
 go on well here : he was very quiet and serious 
 at church. I think Frank has many right feel- 
 ings, Hamilton." 
 
 " Indeed he has, Louis. It is a misfortune for 
 him that he is so popular : some men cannot 
 understand the true worth of such popularity. 
 I suppose you know that Trevannion is now a
 
 DA8HW00D P1U0HY. 217 
 
 fellow of , and is to be ordained in a few 
 
 months r" 
 
 "No, I did not," answered Louis; "he must 
 have worked hard, then. Did von think him 
 clever.'" 
 
 Hamilton smiled significantly, and remarked in 
 a dry tone, — 
 
 "I always thought him of a good family. All 
 fellowships don't go by order of merit. Re- 
 member, yon are engaged to my lodgings this 
 ev« oing, Louis. I shall have Jones, and Trevan- 
 nion if I can get him, to meet you and poor 
 Frank. I must look after him a little, if it were 
 only for poor Vernon's memory." 
 
 This was said as Hamilton bid Louis good bye 
 at the college gates ; and Louis was just entering 
 them, when his father's voice most unexpectedly 
 'ted him. Mr. Mortimer had hurried to 
 Oxford as soon as he was nine, in order to sa\< 
 him as much embarrassment as possible, and to 
 Bee that his arrangements were properly con- 
 ducted. Of course, all previous engagements 
 were now suspended, and before night everj 
 desire Louis had respecting hi s comforts was 
 
 amply supplied, even to the new carpet and piano. 
 
 We presume our readers arc by this time 
 
 wearied of detail, and will gladly allow us to pre- 
 mise that our hero's initiation to the regular 
 
 routine of his new duties duly took place, that the 
 Lecture-rOOm was familiar to him, and that lie 
 
 understood how unnecessary it was deemed for
 
 218 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 him to sit in chapel a quarter of an hour before 
 service began ; that wine and breakfast " coaches" 
 were no longer so manv mysteries, and that all 
 his friends had properly paid their respective 
 calls. Hamilton was installed private tutor to 
 him, and Trevannion, now arrived at the bloom 
 of grace and manhood, had been very gracious to 
 his old schoolfellow at Hamilton's rooms. Nevin- 
 son's remark on the necessity of choosing first 
 acquaintances cautiously, Louis found most true ; 
 for, in spite of Hamilton's constant cautions, he 
 had more idle acquaintances in a fortnight, through 
 Prank, than he knew how to manage; and the 
 round of excitement into which he was almost 
 inadvertently drawn, before long thoroughly 
 wearied him, and he longed to return home. He 
 went very constantly to Hamilton at the appointed 
 times, and readily joined a little party at Nevin- 
 son's who met once a week for reading the Scrip- 
 tures together. This was his great safeguard ; for 
 in time the giddy and worldly grew weary of his 
 society, and left him to his own chosen associates, 
 with little exception.
 
 DA* II WOOD PRIORY. '219 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Kemember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.'' 
 " The Sabbath is God's gracious present to a working world ; 
 and for wearied minds and bodies it is the grand restorative. 
 The Sabbath does not arrive like sleep : it does not entrance U3 
 whether we will or not, but addressing us as intelligent beiDgs, 
 our Creator assures us we need it, and bids us notice its return, 
 and court its renovation." — Hamilton's Oasis. 
 
 The Sabbath was made for man : for man to use, 
 but not for man to abuse. But, alas ! how sadly 
 is the Sabbath slighted; how often is it, according 
 to the taste and habits of the individual, made 
 either a day of idleness or secular industry, 
 of worldly care or worldly pleasure, regardless of 
 that rich promise made to those who call it "a 
 delight :" Holy of the Lord ! that they shall 
 •'delight themselves in Him." 
 
 Thia sacred day Louis found, was that most 
 omonly chosen for "breakfasts" and " wines;" 
 not that the parties might meet to speak together 
 of the tilings belonging to the Sabbath, but that 
 they might the more uninterruptedly, from the 
 greater leisure, seek their "own pleasure;" thus 
 reversing the order of things, and becoming more 
 friTolotu and idle on this blessed day than on that 
 
 any of the si\ allowed to man for his own. 
 
 Well might the prophet plead with such, " Will a
 
 220 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 man rob God ? yet ye have robbed me : and ye 
 say, Wherein have we robbed Thee ? But bring 
 now the sacrifices of righteousness to the store- 
 house of God's love, and prove Him therewith, 
 and see if He will not open to you the windows 
 of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there 
 shall not be room enough to receive it." 
 
 Louis had once been betrayed, through igno- 
 rance, into joining one of these Sunday parties ; 
 but so disturbed was he at the manner in which the 
 day had been desecrated, that he firmly resolved 
 nothing should again induce him to break in 
 upon the sanctity of the time he had been from 
 his childhood taught to hallow. 
 
 For two or three weeks he had avoided the 
 necessity of declining invitations by engaging him- 
 self previously to Nevinson or Hamilton ; but at 
 length a Sunday arrived when some of Hamil- 
 ton's relations were with him, and Louis did not 
 feel himself sufficiently intimate with Nevinson to 
 invite himself two following Sundays, especially 
 as he had spent the Saturday evening with him. 
 He had risen early ; and as there was some time 
 before chapel, after he was dressed, he sat down 
 to his piano, and quietly played some favourite 
 hymn-tunes and chants ; at first rather timidly, — 
 for he had not yet quite overcome a certain fear 
 of being overheard, — but at length ventured very 
 softly to sing the words of one or two hymns, 
 gradually forgetting anything but his own plea- 
 sure in the coming of the sacred daw
 
 U.YSIIWOOD PKIOllY. 221 
 
 When the bell began to ring, he closed his 
 piano, and, breathing a mental prayer for power 
 to remember the Sabbath day, went into the 
 chapel, for the pleasure of remaining there quietly 
 alone before the general rush ; and when service- 
 was over, he lingered behind, hoping that the 
 quadrangle would be nearly clear before he left 
 the chapel. But, to his chagrin, he found Frank 
 and a few of his intimates waiting for him at the 
 door. 
 
 " You will come with me, Mr. Louis, this 
 morning/' he said : " I really believe you have 
 kept purposely out of my way. Where were you 
 last night V " 
 
 Before Louis could reply, his old acquaintance 
 Ford, who " kept " the rooms next door to him, 
 ^aid, — 
 
 " Diirbv ! do vou know auidit of the heavenlv 
 sounds that saluted mv ears this mornin<r ? — a 
 faint, miry-like murmur, gradually swelling into 
 enthusiasm. Were you practising the ars divina? 
 >i was St. Cecilia doing honour to the day Ml 
 propria persona ? " 
 
 "1\" said Frank; "I must have sung in my 
 dreams, it 1 sang before chapel." 
 
 • Ay, perhaps I heard it in mine/' rejoined 
 the other, — "such 'divine airs/ — such ' pious 
 orgies ! ' " 
 
 Louis coloured, but made no remark, and by 
 this time they had reached Prank's rooms. Prank 
 
 hail at the first onset seized Louis' arm. anil mnv
 
 222 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 forcibly pushed him into the room, where break- 
 fast was laid with all the inviting paraphernalia 
 incidental to such repasts. Louis stopped at the 
 door. 
 
 " No, thank you, Frank ; not this morning. 
 Good-bye for the present." 
 
 " Nay, not so fast/ 5 said Frank ; " why not 
 this morning ? " 
 
 Louis would have evaded an answer, but his 
 passage was obstructed by one or two of his 
 cousin's party, who were standing in the door- 
 way ; and, with a little hesitation, he replied, — 
 
 " I do not like visiting on Sunday." 
 
 Frank released his hold with a vexed look. 
 
 " I thought you had got rid of these sancti- 
 monious fancies, Louis," he said. 
 
 " I hope not," answered Louis, more firmly 
 this time, " but rather that they will be greater." 
 
 " A saint ! a saint ! " exclaimed one of the 
 party, as he flung his cap behind the sofa, and 
 pushed past Louis, — " St. Cecilia herself! " 
 
 Ford lifted his cap with mock reverence, as he 
 made way for Louis to pass. 
 
 " Sancta Cecilia! orapro nobis!" 
 
 Frank made no further effort to detain Louis, 
 Avho went immediately to his room. 
 
 "I did not know the saints had got hold of your 
 cousin, Digby," said one of Frank's party, as he 
 seated himself at the table ; " it is a thousand 
 pities ; he is too good a fellow to be spoiled." 
 
 " He is a good fellow," said Frank, " but always
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOllY. 223 
 
 at school too precise in some things; he would 
 kill his hen it' she laid an egg on Sunday/' 
 
 A laugh followed ; but Frank turned the sub- 
 ject ; and whether Louis' firmness had had any 
 influence we know not, but he insensibly checked 
 some amount of frivolity that morning by his own 
 unusually sedate deportment. 
 
 Louis enjoyed his own quiet breakfast exceed- 
 ingly, and spent his time afterwards, till the time 
 for attending church, iu reading his Bible with a 
 commentary, and committing R chapter to me- 
 mory, according to custom. 
 
 At church he met Ferrers, and invited him to 
 lunch with him. There had been hitherto a con- 
 siderable amount of backwardness in Ferrers to 
 meet Louis' advances half-way; he pleaded now, 
 that " he never went anywhere ; he had not a 
 moment to spare. 5 ' 
 
 " You made that excuse the last time I asked 
 you," said Louis ; " I can generally very well 
 believe it ; but to-day you cannot be very busy ; 
 and though it is Sunday, there is no reason why 
 \w should not quietly meet; we may be able to 
 do one another some good. I do not like Sunday 
 \isitinj: generally, but I hope we should not spend 
 hour or tv, ; her." 
 
 •• You will do me good, I dare Bay/' Baid 1 < I 
 hi.-, colouring; " hut,'' added he, hesitatingly, "I 
 
 dearly :is busy on Sunday as on other da] i. w 
 
 • • • • 
 
 " Hoi ' " asked Louis. u I think ire ought to 
 
 be blUJ 00 Sunday in one way. It is not meant
 
 224 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 to be an idle day, but we should not be industrious 
 in our own business ; and you are not, are you ?" 
 
 " I am afraid I am," answered Ferrers. 
 
 " You must come," persisted Louis. 
 
 Ferrers said no more, and Louis led the way, and 
 they were soon quietly seated at lunch in Louis' 
 rooms. 
 
 After a few remarks, Louis turned the conver- 
 sation on the sermon thev had heard that mom- 
 ing; and from thence he passed on to several 
 texts in connection, and remembered one or two 
 little anecdotes in confirmation of what he sup- 
 ported, referring to Ferrers continually for his 
 opinion. Ferrers said as little as he conveniently 
 could, and now and then the conversation flagged 
 very much, for, earnest as Louis was, he found it 
 difficult to keep it up alone. At last, he proposed 
 that they should read a chapter ; and his compa- 
 nion assenting, and leaving to him the choice of 
 a chapter, they turned to the fire, and read the 
 fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. Louis made a few 
 simple remarks on some passages therein, waiting 
 at intervals, to leave Ferrers room to suggest 
 something. The latter, however, remained quite 
 silent, and sat uneasily, playing with the corners 
 of the Bible he held in his hand. 
 
 Louis looked curiously and sorrowfully at him, 
 and after another pause, he said, " The last verses 
 are very striking to me ; perhaps I have been 
 always taught to consider them so. ' If thou turn 
 away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy
 
 DASHWOOD PIUOKV. 225 
 
 pleasure on my holy clay ; and call the Sabbath 
 a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and 
 shalt honour Him, not doing thine own ways, nor 
 finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine 
 own words : then shalt thou delight thyself in the 
 Lord ! ' Oh ! Ferrers, it is comparatively easy not 
 to seek our own pleasure and our own ways, but 
 not to speak our own words, how difficult! My 
 conscience always reproaches me at the end of the 
 day, even when I have been most careful. The 
 
 ;it thing is not to think our own thoughts, for 
 out of the abundance of the heart the mouth 
 
 aketh. Is it not a sweet promise, 'Then thou 
 shalt delight thyself in the Lord!' 'Blessed is 
 the people that can rejoice in Thee \' "With all 
 the hindrances around, and our tendency to de- 
 light ourselves in other things, it is not a little 
 thing to name such a premise. We cannot delight 
 in holy things unless God teaches us. It seems a 
 parallel passage to tliis : ' Jt' any man will do His 
 will, he shall know of the doctrine/ Do not you 
 think so?" 
 
 I'errers assented reluctantly, and Louis con- 
 tinued : 
 
 " 1 often think that one reason why our land is 
 
 great and bo happy, is because the observance 
 of the Sabbath hen- is bo different from thai of 
 the continental countries. I am sun- a gnat 
 blessing n Bta on the remembrance of the Sabbath 
 both in countries and on individuals. I should 
 bk.- to have " ritten up in every house, ' Remember 
 
 q
 
 226 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy/ One of the 
 greatest charges, you will remember, against the 
 Jews was, that they neglected this commandment. 
 The Sabbath was given for a sign between God 
 and man, and I do believe by this sign, His people 
 will be truly known." 
 
 " But, don't you make a Jewish Sabbath of it V* 
 said Ferrers, raising his eyes. 
 
 " 1 think not," answered Louis. " The Jews' 
 was a strict outward observance, but the Christians' 
 is more, though not so strict in that which makes 
 it a bondage. We do not forget that the Sabbath 
 was made for man, but yet not for man to abuse ; 
 for man to pause in his worldly business ; for man 
 to commune with his Maker, to meditate on His 
 "Word, to partake of the bread of life, and to deal 
 it to those who are perishing. The blessing of 
 this precious day can only be known in Eternity." 
 
 Ferrers did not show any sympathy with his 
 friend's earnestness, and Louis felt there was none. 
 He did not like to ask him how his own Sundays 
 were spent, but he could very well form an esti- 
 mate, from the manner in which some of his 
 studious acquaintances passed their time ; some 
 of the more serious deluding themselves with the 
 idea that getting up the Greek Testament, reading 
 Butler's Analogy and Sermons, and Paley's Evi- 
 dences, and searching for the authorities cited, 
 was a very laudable and proper manner of passing 
 the day. 
 
 " I cannot see it quite as you do," said
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOIIY. 227 
 
 Ferrers : " ' "We arc not under the law, but under 
 grace.' " 
 
 " ' Shall we then sin, that grace may abound V" 
 eagerly interrupted Louis. " That very reason, 
 Ferrers ; that very reason will make a grateful heart 
 more fearful of offending the tender Giver of all 
 grace. It is quite impossible that a true child of 
 God can wilfully disregard the Sabbath. It will 
 be to him a 'delight/ 'the holy of the Lord/ 
 ' honourable/ though, alas ! he is too often sore let 
 and hindered by his evil nature" 
 
 " Still, you regard it as a command that will 
 be rewarded or punished," said Ferrers. " And 
 did notour Saviour bring in a new dispensation?" 
 
 " ' He came not to destrov the law, but to fulfil 
 it/ " replied Louis. " He abrogated the law us b 
 means of salvation, because man could not save 
 himself by keeping it. So He kept it Himself, and 
 bore man's punishment for the broken law, that 
 whoever believed in the finished work done for 
 1 1 iin may be saved ; and then when this faith comes, 
 he will follow the steps of his blessed Master, and 
 endeavour to keep the law as strictly as his im- 
 • nature allows him; as devoutly ami fear- 
 fully as it' his salvation depended on it; and I say, 
 Ferrers, he is not a child of God without that 
 
 deavour to keep I lis commandment >." 
 
 "FearfitUy?" repeated Ferrers. "Is not that 
 
 against your own creed f ' He that leanth is not 
 made perfect in love/ Mortimer." 
 
 • Ah, that is the spirit of bondage which I
 
 228 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 have who vainly think heaven is to be won by- 
 good works ; the spirit of the truth-seeker who has 
 not yet received the spirit of adoption, whereby 
 we call God our Father, and lean upon Him as a 
 little obedient child, who would not willingly 
 neglect any command but through the weakness 
 and forgetfulness attendant on childhood often 
 falls short ; yet the father loves him, and the child 
 has no dread of his parent. But what I mean by 
 fearfully endeavouring to keep God's commands 
 is, that having received this grace, feeling and 
 knowing truly the stupendous gifts bestowed, we 
 are fearful of bringing reproach on Him ; we are 
 fearful lest His face should be turned away, even 
 for a time ; we are anxious to show that the grace 
 of God has not been given us in vain. It is not 
 because we can save ourselves, that Ave are to work 
 out our salvation with fear and trembling, but 
 because the great and mighty God so graciously 
 works in us to will and to do, of His good plea- 
 sure." 
 
 "I really cannot exactly understand how you 
 mix up faith and works in the manner you do/' 
 said Ferrers, abruptly. 
 
 " It seems to me as clear as noon-day/' rejoined 
 Louis, quietly. " We are saved by faith, which is 
 the gift of God; and this faith must inevitably 
 work by love. Works have not the smallest share 
 in our salvation, and vet we arc not Christians 
 without them. The tree is known bv its fruits — 
 the Christian is known by his works."
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 229 
 
 " And yet you talk of rewards and promises." 
 •• And so I do. There are many rewards and 
 many promises for duties commanded, but not 
 salvation. In the text we have just read is one 
 reward. To me it is a great ove, and so it will be 
 to every one who sincerely desires to rejoice in the 
 Lord. My dear Ferrers, you were speaking just 
 now of the abrogation of the law by the Lord's 
 death : so far from making it void, He goes deeper 
 than Moses. A sinful thought in the Gospel is 
 the transgression of the law, and surely, difficult 
 ; - we are in persuasion of our utter sinfulness, 
 we must all plead guilty to many sins of thought. 
 Our Lord says, ' Whosoever therefore shall break 
 one of these least commandments, and shall teach 
 men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom 
 of heaven ; but whosoever shall do and teach them, 
 the same shall be called great in the kingdom of 
 heaven. ' But I know God must teach us all these 
 things, they will all seem clear then j but do try 
 to remember the Sabbath, Ferrers, and sec how 
 much more God will teach you. I am sure 
 nothing is gained even in worldly concerns by 
 breaking the Sabbath; and think what you owe 
 
 Him for the position you so much desired. [s 
 it not ungrateful to Blight any known com- 
 
 Ferrers made no reply, and Louis, overcome by 
 
 his own feelings, remained silent for some time, 
 till his eyes fell on lu> open watch, which lay on 
 the table, and seeing it. was nearer the time
 
 230 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 of afternoon service at the church than he thought, 
 he rose, threw on his out-door accoutrements, and 
 sallied forth with his friend to St. Mary's. 
 
 Louis was claimed after Hall by his friend 
 Hamilton, and the evening was spent quietly and 
 soberly in his friend's lodgings. 
 
 -^JH£g**S^Sk&>^~-
 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 231 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 " Chide him for faults, and do it reverently, 
 
 When you perceive his blood inclined to mirth." 
 
 Henry IV., Second Part. 
 
 Time rolled on : the long wished-for vacation 
 arrived and passed; and another, and another. 
 Hamilton, though inflexible at Christmas, yielded 
 at last to Louis' persuasions, and passed part of 
 the "long" at Dashwood Priory, where he made 
 himself an universal favourite, and won golden 
 opinions from Mrs. Colthrop, who many times 
 expressed her satisfaction that " Master Louis had 
 so solid a young gentleman to tutor him." 
 
 Louis' difficulties respecting the demonstration 
 of his principles were now over. He belonged to 
 the studious, upon whose sacred time the riotous 
 dared OOl intrude; of the latter, indeed, he saw 
 but little, except now and then at his cousin's 
 rooms; but Prank's set, though idle, were not of 
 the want, and his own condud was generally 
 
 nlv, as respects college rules. He never 
 
 miss. (1 chapel, OX lectures; rarely had late partus 
 at his rooms, and had on no occasion been out 
 
 beyond hours.
 
 23.2 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Frank's love for the ludicrous had by no means 
 forsaken him, though for some time he seemed to 
 have sufficient sense to take warning by the situa- 
 tion in which it had already placed him, and con- 
 fined its exhibition to his private friends, and to 
 drawing exact caricatures of the dons, with whom, 
 nevertheless, he was a general favourite. We 
 have already introduced our readers to one of the 
 Fellows, by name Mr. Royston, the mathematical 
 tutor. Mr. Royston was a very inviting subject 
 for Frank's powers of imitation; and, xeve the 
 truth told, this goodnatured and excellent, though 
 eccentric man, was often quizzed by his facetious 
 pupil. But though fully cognizant of the fact, 
 Mr. Royston — who had, be it known, a keen 
 sense of dry humour — never heard his own voice 
 Avhen Frank spoke in it, nor ever saw the multi- 
 plied sketches of his profile which adorned the 
 scraps of paper occasionally left in the lecture - 
 room, though his small twinkling eyes had often 
 watched, with intense amusement, the seven 
 scratches that traced it on the handiest surface 
 near, — the operation being sometimes performed 
 with the seal end of a pencil-case on the green 
 tablecloth, with an exactitude that greatly 
 charmed his fellow-students; nor, to the slight 
 discomfiture of the artist, did he take the faintest 
 notice of his full-length portrait traced with a 
 finger on the damp wall one morning, exactly in 
 the light Avhich met his eyes where he sat. 
 
 How it was, we do not mean to guess; but
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOUY. 233 
 
 Frank seemed to have carried the old man's heart 
 by storm. He watched over him with a paternal 
 care, often inviting him to his rooms, stimulating 
 his studies ; and when Frank changed his apart- 
 ats, interested himself to get him a desirable 
 . in immediate contiguity to his own ; for which 
 last favour Frank was very ungrateful, as he Mas 
 obliged to be so quiet. However, when there was 
 a little extra noise, Mr. Royston always seemed 
 deaf, and generally invited Frank to breakfast the 
 D( \t morning, to hear the history of the previous 
 ev< ning^s exploit. Frank, to do him justice, was 
 not wholly insensible to the kindness of the "old 
 bay" as he irreverently designated him, and was 
 always ready to perform any little service for him 
 that did not interfere too conspicuously with any 
 of his own pursuits. 
 
 We have already said that Mr. Royston was 
 entric, and one of his eccentricities annoved 
 ik and some of his fellow students. He 
 would persist in wearing a very old coat, some- 
 thing between a great coat and a surtout, which 
 had once been handsome, and for which he still 
 sed an immense affection, because it had 
 been expensive, and was very convenient as a 
 
 kettle-holder and pen-wiper; and not confining 
 
 the exhibition of the worn-out habiliment to bis 
 own domicile, be further exasperated his pupils 
 by onally taking a turn in the cloisters on a 
 
 • lay. Many of the offended had at different 
 times vowed vengeance on this coal . but none
 
 23 1< DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 had yet discovered a way of carrying the threat 
 into execution, when the bright wits of Frank 
 Digby, Esq., hit upon a plan, which he was not 
 long in communicating to those among his friends 
 who were occasionally favoured with invitations 
 to Mr. Eoyston's rooms. Frank had discovered 
 that the doomed coat, when not in use, always 
 hung behind a green curtain, in a recess in the 
 outer room ; and, bent upon his scheme, it was not 
 long before he and his accomplices found means 
 for its prosecution. Their operations consisted, 
 on every available opportunity, of carefully cut- 
 ting two threads from the skirt all the way round, 
 which in consequence insensibly diminished in 
 length in the course of time. Opportunities being 
 often few and far between, three terms and one 
 long vacation passed before the habit began to 
 shrink to any sensible degree ; and the first full 
 intimation the owner had of the scarcity of his 
 tails, was on an occasion public enough and 
 ludicrous enough to satisfy the revenge of the 
 mischievous plotters, though the principal actor 
 in the " fun " afterwards acknowledged it was too 
 bad ; but we will let our tale tell its own moral. 
 
 Mr. Royston was possessed of much mathema- 
 tical talent, and withal that strong mechanical 
 taste which is not unfrequently joined thereto. 
 In his earlier career he had made it the recreation 
 of some years to construct a telescope, an elec- 
 trical machine, and air-pump, of no mean preten- 
 sions ; and having found, to his great satisfaction,
 
 DASHWOOD PltlOKY. 
 
 that his protigi was capable of appreciating their 
 value and uses, they were occasionally drawn upon 
 for part of an evening's entertainment. One 
 evening, as they were replacing the electrical 
 machine behind a large green curtain, drawn 
 across a recess near the outer door of the outer 
 room, Mr. ftovston made a little remark on the 
 shabbincss of the framework, particularly point- 
 ing to Frank's notice a recent fracture in one 
 corner of the stand, which he had just mended 
 with a patch of deal. 
 
 •It wants painting afresh : it ought to have 
 been mahogany," he said. 
 
 Frank agreed, and expressed his surprise that 
 anv other wood should have been chosen for the 
 frame; and Mr. lloyston laughingly pleaded the 
 softness of the wood for amateur hands. " It is 
 an idle excuse," he added ; and then, after expa- 
 tiating a little on his skill of vore in the mysteries 
 of carpentering, the apparatus was restored to its 
 niche, and Frank having offered his services, if 
 required, took his leave, with an assurance from 
 the gentleman that they should be demanded on 
 the first opportunity. 
 
 One winter evening, a few days after the above- 
 mentioned visit, Frank was alone in his room, 
 lie had wheeled his table to within almost a 
 
 scorching contiguity with the fire, and sitting on 
 a chair at its head, his feet resting on the claw, 
 
 he pored listlessly over a Copy of the Bthics 'if 
 
 istotle, Looking now and then most idly into a
 
 23G DASHWOOD PRIOltY. 
 
 lexicon at his elbow. Presently lie jumped up, 
 stirred the fire into a blaze, and sitting on the 
 edge of the table looked at it for a few seconds, 
 then at his watch, and finally threw himself anew 
 into his chair Avith a loud yawn. 
 
 " It's dry work," he said, aloud ; " I must talk 
 to myself for company. I wonder what business 
 Cox has to sport his oak to-night. How studious 
 all the fellows have become \" 
 
 He read a few minutes longer, and then leaned 
 back again in his chair, to recover from his 
 fatigues. 
 
 " I wonder what business composition-candles 
 have with long snuffs ; that puts me in mind of 
 the old class-room." 
 
 Then another long yawn, concluded with, — 
 
 " I wish Pickwick were new. "What did Ford 
 mean by running off with the third volume of 
 that book ? I wasn't made for a brother of La 
 Trappe." 
 
 Another yawn, and Frank shoved both hands 
 into his pockets, and gazed with watery eyes on 
 the ceiling. 
 
 " Wonder Avhat Louis is about. I won't plague 
 myself about that." Then an idle smile. " I 
 wonder when the old boy is going to paint his 
 machine. I dare say he'll want me when — Eh ? 
 come in." 
 
 His soliloquy was cut short by the entrance of 
 his old friend. 
 
 " Mr. Digby, are you very busy to-night ? Ah,
 
 
 

 
 DAS II WOOD PIUORY. 237 
 
 I sec, very busy. It's a pity to disturb your 
 studies ; another night will do." 
 
 " I have quite done for to-night, sir," said 
 Frank, answering the twinkle of the old gentle- 
 man's eye with another as dry. 
 
 "Anything I can do, sir? Have you got the 
 paint ? I was just thinking about the machine." 
 
 "Well then, the machine's the business; so 
 you come in when you have left all safe, if you 
 have quite done, and we'll commence." 
 
 " I'll be with you in a minute, sir," replied 
 Frank, flying to open the door, and then coming 
 back to shove his table and chair to a safe distance 
 from the fire. 
 
 " Bravo ! " he said ; " verv well done. I wonder 
 the old bov doesn't see how short his toga is 
 getting ! that which comes gradually upon us we 
 don't feel any inconvenience, as Aunt Huntlcv 
 
 * * » 
 
 Baid of lather's large family." 
 
 He blew out the candles, and packing up the 
 fire to last till his return, hurried to the tutor's 
 rooms, where he found arrangements had be 
 made on a grand scale for the projected business. 
 An old cloth had been laid on the large table in 
 the outer room, and on this was placed the shabby 
 machine. On a chair near the lire was a kind 
 
 cabinet, not unlike a medicine-chest, with labelled 
 
 drawers and bottles; and an iron saucepan, war- 
 ranted to hold a pint and a half, Btood on the fl i 
 near. One or two Large white gallipots, a sauc 
 and two half-pint bottles, one containing 1 oseed-
 
 238 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 oil and the other turpentine, stood by the machine, 
 on the large table ; and a mixing-knife, a couple 
 of new brushes, and a teaspoon completed the 
 tableau. 
 
 Prepared as Frank was for paint-pots and 
 brushes, he was at a loss to understand the 
 meaning of these symptoms ; and it was not till 
 informed by Mr. Royston, that he understood 
 that they were not only to paint, but to make 
 their own materials. 
 
 " I am not very fond of the smell of paint, 
 Mr. Digby. And then, you see, we can make 
 our own quantity; and not have the wasted 
 residue hardening on the sides of the pots, till 
 pots and all must be thrown away." 
 
 Frank expressed his great willingness to assist, 
 and, with an air of urgent importance, began to 
 handle the bottles and saucepan, *with a great 
 clatter and an inward sense of helpless ignorance 
 as to their uses. His coadjutor stood looking at 
 him with the most perfect gravity, till Frank, 
 having carried the saucepan to the fire, and placed 
 two gallipots and the bottle of oil on the mantel- 
 piece, stood still and looked at him. Their eyes 
 met. 
 
 "Well, sir?" said the tutor; "very well done. 
 Now we had better lose no time." 
 
 Frank coloured with suppressed laughter, but 
 answered almost immediately, — 
 
 " It's your turn now, sir." 
 
 Mr. Eoyston brought two more gallipots with
 
 DASHWOOD PBIOBY. 
 
 three ])aper packets from the chest, and placed 
 them by Frank's trophies with the utmost 
 iidity, and then stood still once more. Frank 
 fairly laughed now. 
 
 " Umph ! Mr. Frank," said the gentleman, who 
 
 often dropped Frank's surname when aloue with 
 
 pupil ; " our work won't go on very fast at 
 
 that rate, and the pan, perhaps, will get burnt, so 
 
 close to that great coal. Suppose you begin." 
 
 3 appose I hold the saucepan while you mix," 
 said Frank. 
 
 Mr. Koyston shook his head and muttered 
 something to hi. as he went again to the 
 
 medicine-chest and took out another paper. 
 
 " "Well, Mr. Frank, we shall have to mix some 
 white lead in this saucer." 
 
 ■■ Yes, sir; here is the turpentine," replied 
 Frank, with an indistinct recollection of the scent 
 of turpentine connected with house-painting. 
 
 "Come, come," said Mr. lloyston; "pretty 
 paint I should have, if you were mixer, I see." 
 
 He hastily laid the Avhite lead on a chair, aud 
 loved the Baucepan. 
 
 •' Iron will burn, Mr. Digby." 
 
 " What's to be done, tlien ?" asked Frank. 
 " Are you going to mix up all the contents ol 
 those papers with the oil?" 
 
 " Ay, ay ; please to put them down," exclaimed 
 the old man. "The first thing is to boil the 
 oil." 
 
 'Then here goes," said Frank, emptying the
 
 240 dashwood priory. 
 
 oil into the pan. " Now then, does some turpen- 
 tine go with it?" 
 
 " I shall have some mischief done ! " exclaimed 
 Mr. Royston, running away a few feet from 
 Frank, who threatened to mingle the contents of 
 the oil and turpentine hottles. Nothing but oil ; 
 now you do as you are bid, sir. Now you see," 
 he added, as he took the turpentine from Frank's 
 hand, placed it on another chair, and then put the 
 saucepan on the lire : " The white-lead is to be 
 mixed with oil, but we must boil the oil first, or 
 the paint will never dry." 
 
 " Is it to be painted white ? " asked Frank. 
 
 "White! — no; white-lead is the foundation; 
 we must mix that with everv and anv colour you 
 want. We shall mix it with the yellow-ochre in 
 this instance." 
 
 " It is to be satin-wood ingrained, then ?" sug- 
 gested Frank. 
 
 A little grunt from Mr. Rovston was the onlv 
 answer, and Frank read aloud the names written 
 on the papers on the mantelpiece. 
 
 " Yellow-ochre, Vandyke-brown, rose-pink, red- 
 lead." 
 
 "It will look very handsome, won't it?" re- 
 marked Mr. Royston. 
 
 " Fm in a hurry to get to the brushing," said 
 Frank, nearly poking his head into the chimney- 
 to look at the oil. He drew it back, as Mv. 
 Royston called out, — 
 
 " Come, now, we must have some red-lead in
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 2 I 1 
 
 tlio oil ; that's the paper near you, Mr. Frank ; 
 there's a teaspoon on the table. Now then/' lie 
 continued, as Frank brought it; "a few teaspoon- 
 
 a of that. — not the whole quarter of a pound." 
 • I think 1 did that cleverly," said Prank. 
 • What is the use of that?" 
 
 " To assist in the drying process. There, we 
 shan't want any more of that paper just now; put 
 it down anywhere, — on that chair. Mustn't mix 
 the papers, it would spoil our ingrained mahogany, 
 eh ? Never mind holding the saucepan ; it won't 
 boil over just yet; it absorbs a great deal of latent 
 heat." 
 
 "While the gentlemen stood awaiting the oil's 
 pleasure, Mr. Royston described to Frank the 
 process of mixing the paint ; and they had passed 
 wry successfully through the lead and vcllow 
 ochre to the turpentine, when a knock at the door 
 (list tirbed the train of their ideas, and almost upon 
 the knock a stout elderly gentleman marched in, 
 buttoned up to the chin. 
 
 "Eh, Royston!" he exclaimed, in a hearty 
 voice, " still at the old story. Ah ! — ' Spirits red 
 and spirit- grey/ mingling " 
 
 • I lnph ! — why — >o it is," rejoined the tutor, 
 
 alter a keen, quick look. 
 
 Then followed a hearty shaking of hands, and 
 a few more equally hearty words between the 
 apparently old friends. Frank was doubtful about 
 the propriety of remaining; bul the oil kept him 
 still at his post, when .Mr. Etoyston, in bis great
 
 242 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 zeal to clear a chair for Lis visitor, seized the end 
 of the red-lead paper, and scattered its contents 
 on the seat; and Prank darted forward, hand- 
 kerchief in hand, to remedy the accident. 
 
 " No, — no handkerchief ; it's poison," cried 
 Mr. Royston ; " here's a piece of paper ; clear the 
 other chair, or bring another up, will you?" 
 
 But while Prank was accomplishing this, Mr. 
 Royston darted to the fire with an exclamation, 
 seizing hold of the handle of the saucepan ; but 
 the length of time it had been on the fire had 
 heated it to an uncomfortable temperature, and 
 he had recourse to his coat-tails, now, alas ! too 
 short to perform their wonted office. He puffed, 
 and endeavoured vainly to pull them round suffi- 
 ciently to shield the whole of his hand. The fire 
 had caught the oil. 
 
 " Ay, Digby ! the chimney 's on fire ! — ay ! " 
 
 Prank's hands were full. A glance revealed 
 the state of things, and the glance instantly deter- 
 mined his course of action. Throwing bottle and 
 papers on the table, he rushed out of the room to 
 one or two of his nearest friends, amongst whom 
 was Louis. 
 
 " Your brown Georges ! — water-jugs ahoy ! — 
 The tutor's chimney 's on fire, Louis ; bring a 
 blanket and your water-jug. Mr. Royston's 
 room's on fire ; the college will be burned down ! 
 Come, quick ! " 
 
 The summons was instantly obeyed by all, 
 Louis believing the danger implicitly, — as did one
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 243 
 
 or two others ; and they who suspected a joke 
 followed not less readily, and arrived en masse, 
 just as Mr. Royston, in despair between his hands 
 and the real danger that threatened the chimney, 
 was running away with the saucepan behind him, 
 having turned his back, to the fire, and taken hold 
 of the heated handle as he best might. It was not 
 done too soon : ill quantity of the boiling 
 
 oil had reached the fire, and a furious and alarm- 
 ing blaze was roaring up the chimney, while the 
 rest of the inflammable fluid, blazing brilliantly 
 behind the tutor, was running over on the carpet, 
 threatening to scald severely the feet of the un- 
 successful experimenter. This apparition of the 
 strange flying meteor was more than those among 
 Frank's friends who Avere in the secret could 
 stand, and they rushed precipitately out of the 
 room. Frank alone, with an unmoved counte- 
 nance, advanced and emptied his jug on the fire. 
 Poor Mr. Royston did not seem to know exactly 
 what to do with his saucepan, and the blazing 
 state of its overflowing contents deterred his friend 
 from offering assistance at first. Frank Mas the 
 first to approach him; but the tutor, abruptly 
 rejecting his assistance, turned round to face the 
 intruders, while the new comer, venturing to 
 release him from the nearly emptied | in, turned 
 it upside-down on Prank's In-own jug. 
 
 All this passed more rapidly than pen could 
 
 describe; and .Mr. Royston being al length at 
 liberty to apeak, meed poor Louis, the only <>no
 
 244 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 of the party now remaining, who Avas standing 
 with blanket extended in both hands, looking on 
 in undisguised vexation. 
 
 " Hev-dav, voung gentlemen ! and what mav 
 you want, if you please ? " 
 
 "The chimney, sir, — the chimney, sir, — you 
 said the chimney was on fire," said Frank, mo- 
 destly ; " there was no time to lose." 
 
 Mr. Rovston looked verv hard at Frank, with 
 lips tightly compressed. 
 
 " I am very sorry, sir," said Louis ; " I believed 
 it was very urgent, sir." 
 
 "And I believe you, Mr. Mortimer," said Mr. 
 Rovston, kindly ; " but we don't need the blanket, 
 thank you." 
 
 Louis retired, and Frank, placing the saucepan 
 inside the fender, began to rake out some of the 
 blackened ashes. 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Digby, that will do," said 
 Mr. Royston, politely. 
 
 Frank took the hint, and withdrew to laugh 
 with his friends, and the gentlemen were left 
 alone. 
 
 " Well," said Mr. Royston, seating himself; 
 "it's a failure. I think the best thing I can do, 
 will be to clear away, and send for another pot of 
 paint some day, ready made." 
 
 He rubbed his burnt hands, and looked ruefully 
 at the fire, now slowly recovering from the deluge 
 of water Frank had poured on it, and then his 
 eyes met his friend's, and by mutual consent they
 
 DASHWOOD PBIORT. 245 
 
 burst into a roar of laughter, no less hearty than 
 that of the authors of the misfortune. Mr. 
 Royston laughed on for several minutes, and then 
 wiping his eyes, as if a sudden thought had struck 
 him, he began to examine his coat, and after a care- 
 ful survey looked up again, with a very significant 
 • I Imph — well, it was very shabby." 
 
 "There is something more underneath," said 
 his friend inquiringly. 
 
 "I suspect so," replied the tutor. "A little 
 accident to-night has let jnc into the secret of this 
 ir. Pretending to help, indeed — that young 
 mp with the nice face and dark wavy hair, who 
 drowned my tire, is at the bottom of it. My old 
 coat gave great offence, I know ; but he's the only 
 one that could get hold of it. Umph, Mr. Digby, 
 1 am afraid you are incorrigible." 
 
 " I believe you are not burnt. You have been 
 aerry I forgot that/' said his friend. 
 
 ■• Xo, thank you. The saucepan handle was a 
 little hot, but that will go off in an hour or so. 
 But seriously, this is not a little escape. Sonic of 
 us -night have been worse off. I thank God no 
 hurt is don 
 
 lie remained reverentially Bilent for a 
 mim ■■. hen his friend asked, — 
 
 "But what has that young fellow been doing, 
 imething to your cat, I tides bringing all 
 
 his friends into the row ': " 
 
 "Why, he has been cutting my coal shorter, 
 somehow. It must have been very gradually. 1 
 
 *
 
 246 DASHAVOOD PRIORY. 
 
 fancied it used to be longer this very evening — it 
 certainly used to come down to here. I warrant I 
 can find out. I know enough to tax him with it — 
 and my servant will soon get the rights of it." 
 
 " I hope he will," said the gentleman, rather 
 sternly. " It is a sad piece of disrespect, that 
 ought not to be passed over. He deserves to 
 feel it." 
 
 " Umph ! " said the old man. " I might do 
 him an ill turn perhaps, some day ; I might bring 
 a few old tales to bear ; and I might perhaps get 
 him rusticated ; but where would be the good, sir ? 
 Ah, Jenkins ; young spirits will soon go — I won't 
 sadden them. Let him do as he likes. I'll have 
 him yet. He has a kind heart, and never plays 
 his pranks when he fancies I have anything like 
 a headache. Poor fellow ! He'll repent it yet, 
 or I don't know him." 
 
 " It is a happy thing for him," said his friend, 
 " that he has fallen into such tender hands." 
 
 " It is, perhaps," said Mr. Eoyston, with a little 
 grunt. " Well, sir, time 's very short. We have 
 very little of it to show kindnesses to one another — 
 and he'll remember a kindness long after the queer 
 old boy 's head's laid low."
 
 dashwood rmoRY. 247 
 
 CHAPTER XYII. 
 
 " He that believeth shall not make haste." — Is. xxviii. 16. 
 • Who hatli despised the day of small things?" — Zech. iv. 10. 
 
 Louis, now established a steady member of the 
 reading men of his college, and supported and 
 stimulated bv his friend and tutor Hamilton, bid 
 fair to pass through his university career very 
 creditablv, if not with any remarkable honours. 
 My readers will imagine that he passed his "little 
 go" very satisfactorily, notwithstanding his ner- 
 vous trepidation beforehand. A little before this 
 event took place, while the young tutor was look- 
 ing over a translation of his pupil's from a chorus 
 in Antigone, after Louis had been standing for 
 the twentieth time a cross-examination on Euclid 
 and "Whatelcy's Logic, he suddenly rose from his 
 chair, paper in hand, and laying it on the mantel- 
 piece, studied it attentively for a few minutes, then 
 stirring the fire with a decision and rapidity 
 which Louis knew betokened the coming delivery 
 of a weighty opinion, turned round, gathered up 
 his coat-tails, and commenced as if his mind were 
 
 filled with an idea. 
 " Louis ! " 
 "Yes; what is [\ J Sou disapprove of that
 
 248 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 beautiful poetical effusion, as sober Mr. Phillips 
 used of my odes, plain matter-of-fact Hamilton/' 
 said Louis, smiling. " Well, never mind ; I will 
 give you some very staid prose next time." 
 
 " You are a bad guesser," said Hamilton, 
 smiling in his turn. " I am afraid the reaction 
 will be too great, if I tell you what I was think- 
 ing of: I had better be silent." 
 
 " Nay, now," said Louis, " if it be praise, make 
 me happy." 
 
 A flush of pleasure, like an old school look, 
 passed over Hamilton's face. He paused a minute, 
 and advancing a step or two, he laid the paper on 
 the table. 
 
 "That chorus, Louis," he said, emphatically, 
 " is not only tolerable, it is beautiful ; and I am 
 a fastidious judge." 
 
 " My dear Hamilton," said Louis, in a tone of 
 incredulity and expostulation. 
 
 " I am not joking," said Hamilton. " Were 
 I to give that to any judge of poetry, he would 
 say the same, depend upon it." 
 
 Louis looked still rather incredulous, and Ha- 
 milton continued — 
 
 " Now you may believe me, Louis ; I am not 
 too partial to you ; I scold you enough, you know, 
 and laugh at you too, and have done so for so 
 many years, that I am afraid I shall to the end of 
 the chapter." 
 
 "And you are laughing now, perhaps," said 
 Louis.
 
 DASIIMOOD I'lUOKY. 2 l!> 
 
 •• Y\ ell, if you will be so very modest and si 
 tical, I cannot help it/' replied Hamilton; "but 
 I mean what I have said. It is not perfectly 
 faultless, as I will presently show ; but let me tell 
 you, there arc not many men in Oxford who could 
 write an off-hand translation in this stvlc. I always 
 considered you possessed of no little poetical taste 
 i.i olden times. Now the principal fault in this i^ 
 a little too much liberty with the subject; you have 
 introduced too much extemporaneous matter, but 
 that, in an original poem, would be of no conse- 
 quence, and the upshot of my beginning is, that 
 I would strongly advise vou to try for the Newdi- 
 gate. Believe me, you arc likely to stand a very 
 t'air chance for it." 
 
 " My dear Hamilton ! " exclaimed Louis 
 again. 
 
 "Try," replied Hamilton. "I Mill be judge 
 quietly; ami we can but condemn in private, if it 
 should seem insignificant. What docs the Italian 
 proverb say, Louis? 'lie- Mho Mould be pope. 
 must take it strongly into his head, and he shall 
 be pope.' You bring me the outline of your 
 proposed plan of operation; and let us discus 
 capabilitie 
 
 " I shall not mind trying," said Louis ; " but I 
 cannot hope for much. I believe 1 could not 
 persuade mys< li' I should succeed. What is the 
 
 Subject fin' this year '.'" 
 
 '•Nebuchadnezzar's first dream. — the g, 
 imi OSWered Hamilton.
 
 250 dasihvood priory. 
 
 " That will be delightful/' said Louis ; but his 
 countenance grew very thoughtful. 
 
 " Hamilton, you have always humoured me and 
 advised me in everything ; I want — " 
 
 " What? a little advice now?" asked Hamilton. 
 
 " You know, Hamilton, you go on stirring me 
 up, telling me constantly I must try for honours, 
 and here I am just trembling about these tremen- 
 dous responsions ; and I am so absorbed in syllo- 
 gisms, and axioms, and Q. E. D.'s, and all the 
 host of small things, that really I don't know 
 what it will be when I have to dive more deeply 
 into these matters." 
 
 Hamilton smiled. 
 
 " Why, Louis, you do not know how graduaily 
 you are now learning to dive into deeper matters ; 
 you will soon find that your regular study is 
 telling more than you have any idea of. My rule 
 always was, — Never leave till to-morrow what may 
 be done to-dav: and I have made vou do the 
 same. There will be hard work at last, undoubt- 
 edly ; but never fear that if you keep steadily up 
 to the mark from this time forward, you may and 
 will succeed at the end. The fact is, if men chose 
 to work steadilv, we should have many more first 
 and second class men. They often come up, as 
 some quaint old writer observes, golden scholars, 
 and turn out silver students, from want of that 
 industry which a principle of right inspires, which 
 would easily confirm what they have acquired 
 with so much labour and expense, for the greatest
 
 DASIUVOOD FBIOBY. 251 
 
 part of their lives. I get quite chafed sometimes, 
 when I see the prodigal waste of time, youth, 
 strength, talents, and of those golden opportu- 
 nities here offered, which will never return. It is 
 not so much genius as perseverance that is wanted. 
 Genina can accomplish nothing without perse- 
 verance, but perseverance may do much without 
 ring." 
 
 "I allow that, Hamilton; but suppose I do 
 succeed, what then?" and Louis looked very 
 steadily at his friend. 
 
 ••What then!" repeated Hamilton. "I am 
 surprised to hear you ask, what then? Duty is 
 duty to a conscientious mind: 'what thens' we 
 do not trouble ourselves about." 
 
 "But why is it my dutv to gain honour-'" 
 : -ked Louis. " I can see it my duty to fit myself 
 for my office, but how will gaining honours assist 
 that, Hamilton ? I can pass without honours." 
 
 " Pats without honours! to be sure you can," 
 said Hamilton, contemptuously. "Louis, I detest 
 that cry of cut bono? It seems to me either the 
 demand of a lazy tasteless fool, or a very blind 
 utilitarian." 
 
 "You are as vehement as if you could not 
 support your argument/ 1 said Louis. 
 
 "Support it," repeated Hamilton; "I do not 
 
 think I shall be inclined to take the trouble, 
 
 where it is self-evident: but why thia \. 
 round, Louis? Have you no ambition 
 
 •' More than you think, Hamilton," replied
 
 252 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Louis, rather sadly : " so much, that I sometimes 
 fear. — You have not forgotten Vernon; he won 
 more honours than I could ever hope for with the 
 hardest labour, and what did he say, Hamilton ? 
 I remember how sadlv he said, ( Hoiv dieth the 
 ivise man ? even as the fool. Vanity of vanities, 
 all is vanity and vexation of spirit? " 
 
 Hamilton's eyes glistened at the mention of his 
 old friend, and he did not reply for a minute. 
 
 " It seems, Louis/' he said gravely, " that your 
 morbid imagination considers the attainment of 
 earthly honours an earthly sin, to be visited bv 
 some immediate judgment. Remember, the right 
 of an action depends upon the inciting motive. 
 What will be your motive ? I fancy it Avould not 
 be the mere distinction of being first, which, 
 indeed, you can hardly hope for." 
 
 " No ; yet, I don't know," said Louis : " I am 
 afraid that is the greatest motive." 
 
 " I do not think so," replied Hamilton, deci- 
 dedly ; " I know it ought not, nor ought it to be 
 merely that of obtaining a distant fellowship, or 
 such substantial emoluments as the university 
 holds out to her successful sons. If you think 
 your motive is mere love of distinction, throw 
 your books away, and see whether your conscience 
 will be perfectly satisfied with this immolation of 
 your talents to the desire of extinguishing this 
 feeling." 
 
 Louis stripped the feather from a pen, as he 
 thoughtfully considered his friend's remarks.
 
 DASHWOOD FKIOKY. 27)Z 
 
 " Will you do that, Louis?" 
 
 " Why, 110, not exactly." 
 
 " But why not ? Have you not enough self- 
 denial?" 
 
 " I should not think it right, because my father 
 expects me to study ; at least, enough to take my 
 degree. And I could not disappoint him." 
 
 " Take your (/eyree ! Pshaw ! you come back 
 again arguing in a circle," said Hamilton impa- 
 tiently ; " your father expects you to make the 
 most of your time. Perhaps he does not delibe- 
 rately expect you to take honours, but he expects 
 you to work, — not to be idle ; and if you do less 
 than you can, it is idling. If vou do not use the 
 powers God has given you, in the situation in 
 which he has placed you, you are not doing your 
 duty: you are not doing mightily whatsoever 
 your hands find to do ; and, believe me, if you do 
 not read for honours, you Mill not have sufficient 
 occupation. You know you can go up to lecture 
 day after day with little or no preparation, and 
 surely, I need not remind you that the more 
 Learning you have, the more you will be fitted for 
 any sphere; and in your calling, you will in time 
 have to answer all kinds of objections, and refute 
 
 all denominations of arguments, not only among 
 
 the illiterate, but anion- those who will respect 
 your opinion little if you cannot boasl the Same 
 
 amount of refinement in education as themselves; 
 
 and the higher you are above such in attainments, 
 the more will your opinion have weight. In all
 
 254 DASHWOOD PllIORY. 
 
 knowledge is profit, Louis/' said Hamilton, with 
 increasing animation : " and I am sure it is a 
 sin, a great sin, to make religion an excuse for 
 idleness." 
 
 "Nay, Hamilton." 
 
 " You don't think so, I know," continued 
 Hamilton steadily ; " but it is something like it. 
 As for Vernon, poor fellow, it was not study that 
 killed him, Louis; and if it had, should we be 
 justified in saying that no one else was ever to 
 study deeply again ? If a man knows he is injuring 
 his health bv over-studv,then it becomes a different 
 matter ; but till he does, let him do his utmost, as 
 unto God and not unto men. Do your work 
 diligently, and never mind whether you gain 
 honours or not." 
 
 " Then why stimulate me ? — why cannot I 
 study without the idea of trying for a first class ?" 
 
 " In the first place," said Hamilton, " you have 
 no right to despise the influence of example ; and 
 though vou mav not think yours of much weight 
 here, it may have a little in one or two cases, 
 which is worth while ; and, placing yourself among 
 the religious, you are bound to show yourself a 
 pattern of everything that is lovely and of good 
 report; and, again, you may fancy you would 
 make your bare duty a sufficient motive for work- 
 ing hard." 
 
 -o 
 
 " I hope so," said Louis, quickly. 
 "And yet, I think, without some kind of 
 standard by which you may measure yourself,
 
 DA8HWOOD l'KIOKY. 
 
 how arc you to know that you have done as 
 much as you might, till you have measured your 
 »th with others? aud the remembrance that 
 this race is to come off, will keep you up to the 
 highest mark ; and you owe it to your friends and 
 tutors to give them all the gratification in your 
 power." 
 
 " Thank you, dear Hamilton/' said Louis, 
 "you good a lecturer as you used to be, 
 
 and I hope I shall profit as of old ; but I am afraid 
 you will be very impatient if I tell you any more 
 of my nic; 
 
 " Nay, I hope not unreasonably so," replied 
 Hamilton. " What is scruple number two ?" 
 
 Louis coloured, and ] came nearer his 
 
 friend, and leaning his elbow on the mantelpiece, 
 looked down thoughtfully, as if he knew not how 
 to begin. Hamilton did not press him, but stood 
 patiently with his back to the fire, awaiting his 
 friend's communication, which he began in a 
 
 itating, serious manner, as if it were much on 
 mind, and he was doubtful how it would be 
 received. 
 
 "Hamilton, why is it so nee y that we 
 should spend so much of our time in company 
 
 ii heathen writers, drinking in their religions 
 sentiments ami a remonies, till their very expres- 
 sions become our own? Why must clergymen 
 
 dy these thins ? Somi timi i 1 feel as though 
 I wore doing wrong in spending so much time in 
 reading these books, [have often thrown at
 
 256 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Aristophanes in my own room from a kind of 
 fear ; and I am afraid I never shall be able to study 
 them to any purpose." 
 
 Louis spoke very feelingly, aud looked at 
 Hamilton as if he expected disapprobation; but 
 Hamilton's face only expressed a degree of irre- 
 solution. He cleared his throat two or three 
 times before he ventured to reply. 
 
 " I presume you will not dispute that you 
 ought to have a competent knowledge of the dead 
 languages ? " he said. 
 
 " Certainly not," replied Louis. 
 
 " That knowledge you cannot obtain but 
 through these works. Of course, you cannot 
 expect heathen authors to write Christian works, 
 and you must consider it a question of business, 
 not of heart. You feel no compunction in per- 
 fectins; vourself in Hebrew, and vou are as well 
 aware as I am, that a critical knowledge of Greek 
 is most essential. If there are anv writers that 
 distress your feelings particularly, you can give 
 them a more cursory inspection than others. I 
 cannot help thinking that you are in rather a 
 morbid state of conscientiousness. As to the 
 study of these, I do not pretend to account for 
 it j but it is a remarkable fact, that almost imme- 
 diately upon the revival of learning in Florence, 
 when Lorenzo the Magnificent established his 
 schools for the study of Plato, and drew all the 
 learned to court, — I say, almost coeval with this, 
 and the discovery of several rare Greek manu-
 
 DASHWOOD PKIORY. 257 
 
 scripts, the glorious Reformation burst upon 
 uished Europe." 
 
 ' God's time had come, Hamilton." 
 
 ' It had, Louis, and He turned events to His 
 
 own great purposes. Perhaps this access of 
 
 knowledge, and study of philosophy, taught men 
 
 to think each one for himself, and made him more 
 
 bold to stand alone. It is a known fact, that 
 
 wherever Romanism is, there is ignorance and 
 
 darkness of the si description; and wher- 
 
 c learning goes, men in a measure throw off 
 
 the trammels of Rome. Mind, I do not say they 
 
 become sons of God, — that is afar different thing. 
 
 Hut why is it you never thought these studies 
 
 iig before?" 
 
 Louis did not at first reply. At length he 
 
 answered, thoughtfully, — 
 
 " Perhaps because I simply thought it right to 
 improve my time, and do as much as I could, 
 without any regard to the matter of mv studies. 
 But now I seem to be left more on my own 
 iponsibility, and in a great measure to choose 
 my own line of study, and it lias often struck me 
 ly. 1 am told to do all to the glory of God. 
 How can 1 imbue myself with heathen sentiments 
 to Ins glory ? The great work— His work, — 
 His glory, seems to be Losi in all I do here." 
 
 1 My dear Louis, you arc very much mistaken, 
 depend upon it," said Hamilton, throwing him- 
 ••> If into a chair, and speaking rapidly ; •• yon are 
 takings irer narrow view of your present posi- 
 
 s
 
 258 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 tion. I fancy you imagine that the only way of 
 glorifying God is by being constantly engaged in 
 preaching to others. You are not called upon to 
 do that now ; instead of that, you are to learn 
 what will qualify you for it afterwards. You 
 must look forward, and remember that you are 
 only preparing to begin life, and pursuing these 
 studies as a means to an end. Louis, why is it 
 that so many pious and judicious men send their 
 sons here, if these studies are so deleterious ? " 
 " That has often puzzled me/' said Louis. 
 " Why is it," continued Hamilton, speaking 
 rapidly, " that so many clear-headed pious men 
 are poured out of our universities year after year, 
 if all is evil there ? Depend upon it, humanly- 
 speaking, it is because each one is taught to think ; 
 because they insensibly learn, through the me- 
 dium of these very studies, to seize hold of all the 
 really necessary, and to reject the superabundant. 
 They learn to reason ; they see how far man's un- 
 aided intellect can guide him, and how necessary 
 the light of Revelation ; how continually men in 
 all ages arrive, to a certain distance, at. the same 
 conclusion, — but can go no further." 
 He paused, as Louis remarked, — 
 " Piety is something distinct from this." 
 " I grant it, Louis ; yet, in the long history of 
 the world's darkness, a long, painful, labouring 
 process has always preceded the dawn of light. 
 We cannot understand why it was necessary that 
 the whole world should be left, with the exception
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 259 
 
 of one nation, in gross darkness and ignorance 
 for four thousand years ; yet it was so. Why v, as 
 it that Moses, destined for his high office, v 
 educated in a heathen land, made learned in the 
 wisdom of the Egyptians, and passed eighty years 
 in obscurity before he was deemed ready ? The 
 conflict seemed necessary. And to leave other 
 ranees, and to come still further on, Louis; you 
 want to preach, to instruct, before your time. The 
 holy child Jesus, whose learning of twelve years 
 of age made Ilirn the wonder of sages and doctors, 
 — who yearned to ' be about His Father's business,' 
 tared into obscurity; and till He began to be 
 about thirty years of age, He taught us in tl 
 meek Mibmission to a conflict, which in His own 
 ould not need, that before every great 
 work, is a time of longer preparation and patient 
 waiting. Before manhood, comes childhood. Why 
 i> it that the embryo man should be allowed to 
 
 . large a portion of his life in folly ? — for 
 we are told childhood and youth arc folly. God 
 
 in need of instruments to do His own work, 
 am! till the time cornea in His own providence, it 
 
 rcMimption to think we Can iind out a la t 
 
 :■ ourselves. We must be content bo d i 
 
 and be nothing when lie chooses 
 
 shall be nothing and do nothing, and quietly 
 
 prepare ourselves for the time whu □ lie shall find 
 
 work t 1 am persuaded that half the errors 
 
 matjeism arise from weak-minded men fancy- 
 
 .IV called to some great work without 
 
 s 2
 
 2G0 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 preparatory knowledge, forgetting that miraculous 
 gifts of language and immediate revelation have 
 long ended, and that it is not apparently the 
 Almighty's will that man should become suddenly 
 and supernaturnlly fitted for this greatest of offices. 
 You must not 'despise the day of small things/ 
 Louis. We would all rather that knowledge and 
 fitness should come intuitively; but the conflict 
 and discipline of labour is necessary — man is 
 destined to it; and to me there is something 
 delightful in the power bestowed on us of attain- 
 ing to something by our own efforts. In some 
 things, indeed, our strength is to sit still, but in 
 most the Lord speaks to His people to go forward. 
 Here, on this earth, Louis, goes on the constant 
 chipping of the stones for the temple above ; the 
 rest will be in the land bevond, where each 
 polished stone shall be silently laid when the 
 necessary painful toil is over; and the building 
 goes gradually on; stone after stone is carried 
 above ; and none that is placed there, Louis, thinks 
 the conflict on earth too great/' 
 
 " Oh, Hamilton ! " exclaimed Louis, warmly ; 
 " oh, for that time when ' the headstone shall 
 be brought with shoutings/ " 
 
 " Ay, but Louis," rejoined Hamilton, with a 
 quiet, sweet smile ; " but you remember, ' he that 
 helieveth shall not make haste.' " 
 
 There was a dead silence, and Louis looked up 
 once or twice at his friend, but showed no incli- 
 nation to break it. Hamilton sat with his eves
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 'JG1 
 
 intently fixed on the ground in profound thought, 
 till Louis sighed, when lie raised them to his 
 pupil's face with a look of inquiry. 
 
 "• My dear Hamilton, I cannot tell vou how 
 verv sweetly the "Word of God comes from vou, 
 specially when vou get philosophical. I am 
 afraid vou will think it a great sism of weakness 
 in me, if I tell you what an aching sensation I 
 always experience whenever I hear anything ap- 
 proaching to a philosophical disquisition on the 
 i rigin of evil, and the reasons why the world was 
 Buffered to lie so long in darkness, and the great 
 good to he learned by the history of this or that 
 heathen nation, as I have often heard here. No- 
 thing ever seems satisfactorily proved to my mind, 
 and what is advanced and pursued seems to mc 
 to run away from the Bible sadly. I assure vou 
 
 * WW 
 
 when you and Berry were arguing the other night 
 on SchlegePs ' Philosophy of History/ 1 began to 
 wonder whether I was awake or alive, whether 
 anything had ever existed, and whether there was 
 any harm in any wickedness that had ever been 
 perpetrated, and you were moderate compared 
 
 M<>n ton and Osborne. These things do not 
 suit me. If I heard much of them, I am afraid 
 I should almost become a sceptic, but for one 
 
 it safeguard. I know in my heart that the 
 Bible ii nun , and it is impossible to exprca i £h< 
 
 I recioOJ power of a passage from that dear book. 
 1 feel when you bring it forward as you do, you 
 will not mislead mc."
 
 2C2 dashwood priory. 
 
 " Mislead you ! no, I hope not/' said Hamilton, 
 in a tone of surprise. 
 
 "Yet had you not spoken to me of Moses, 
 and above all of our Lord, I should not have 
 been satisfied, Hamilton, though I trust I am 
 now. When you spoke of the darkness of the 
 world, and the good to be gained by the con- 
 sideration of man's mind and its capabilities in all 
 ages, I was unconvinced ; but the rationale of 
 your view flashed across me as light, when you 
 spoke of the thirty years of His meek submission 
 to an earthly parent. Hamilton, what a friend 
 you are to me ; I wonder how I should get on 
 without you to set me straight." 
 
 " How, Louis ! you are forgetful to-day," said 
 Hamilton, gravely. " f My soul hangeth upon 
 Thee. Thy right hand hath upholden me.' Re- 
 member He is a nail in a sure place, and they 
 who are upholden by Him shall never fall/' 
 
 Louis was about to speak, but Hamilton con- 
 tinued without noticing his attempts, — 
 
 " You remember old Latimer. In his youth he 
 carefully searched and made up his mind on cer- 
 tain doubtful and disputed points, and having once 
 done this, he did not allow it to be disturbed by 
 conflicting opinions. Follow his example, asking 
 earnestly an Almighty blessing ; let your mind be 
 carefully made up, and then let no doubts disturb 
 your course of action. In my opinion, your course 
 is plain. With the system pursued for preparing 
 clergymen for their office, you have nothing to do ;
 
 DAsllWOOD PHIORY. 2G3 
 
 you must pass through it, and with your princi- 
 ples you ought to go through in the best possible 
 manner. Look at Henry Kirke AYhite and Henry 
 Martyn — you may surely follow their examples; 
 and as a proof how a mind attuned to divine 
 things sees them in all, read again, if you have 
 read it before, Martyn's impressions on preparing 
 a portion of theJEneid, when appointed examiner. 
 I i need not fear, Louis. Do not distress your- 
 with scruples.'-' He paused a minute, as if 
 thinking, and then added, "I have a dear old 
 friend at home, Louis, with whom you would like 
 to talk. 1 am thinking now, if I had given you 
 some of her thoughts instead of my own, it might 
 have been still better. She would talk to you of 
 
 faith of Studying in whatever path your pecu- 
 liar power points out. She would ask you why 
 your impulses were given you, and who gave them, 
 and she would make you answer this question, 
 which 1 must leave vou now to answer bv vourself, 
 or to me when we have more time. The life of a 
 Christian is by faith. Is faith most exercised, 
 we can satisfactorily answer the why that 
 ip, or when we fulfil a duty without Beeing 
 any immediate result, or obtaining any persona] 
 
 'iiication therefrom? Bntwe nana! part now. 
 T<> your toilet. You do not know what time it 
 is. 1 1 alt — Hall, nu rrroir." 
 
 1. nii> hastilv bade his friend adieu, and hurried 
 
 When he was alone that evening, hi' made his
 
 264 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 perplexities a subject for prayer; nor did he forget 
 the project Hamilton had set before him, in his 
 petitions, that he might be directed aright, and 
 might diligently use all his talents solely to the 
 glory of Him who had bestowed them, and who 
 has commanded us to cast all our care on Him, 
 for He careth not only for the great cares and 
 trials, which come seldom upon some men, but for 
 each little perplexity, each little anxiety, that 
 would draw the soul from its resting-place to 
 dependence upon itself. The language of each 
 Christian heart should be that of Moses, "If 
 Thy presence go not with us, carry us not up 
 hence." So Louis' breathed petition was, " If I 
 may not do this to Thy glory, take away the power 
 from me. Prosper not my handiwork, if it speak 
 not for Thee," and he rose from his prayer, re- 
 freshed and strengthened for his work. 
 
 A word in season, how good it is. Many times 
 did Louis' mind dwell happily on the remembrance 
 of the nail in the sure place — of Him of whom 
 he could say, " My soul hangeth upon Thee." 
 
 My soul hangeth upon Thee — hangeth upon 
 Thee ! ah, there is the Christian's safety : hang- 
 eth upon the sure anchor ; resteth upon the ever- 
 lasting rock ; and the waves of infidelity, of error, 
 superstition, and mysticism, may dash around and 
 overthrow the self-reliant, but He whose feet are 
 surely placed, shall never be moved. There is the 
 only security. He is the only refuge — the only 
 foundation. He whose soul hangeth upon Christ
 
 DASH WOOD TRIORY. 265 
 
 shall be upholden with the right hand of Omni- 
 potence. 
 
 A few days after this conversation, Louis brought 
 Hamilton a slight plan of his poem, which after 
 many considerable deliberations on Hamilton's 
 
 rt, obtained his decided approval. And Louis, 
 now furnished with a very congenial employment, 
 worked away for the next few months very busily. 
 Kind, unwearied Hamilton, though studying for a 
 fellowship, and dividing his time among nine or 
 ten pupils, often spared his ancient proteye a half- 
 hour to criticise his production; and the work was 
 rapidly brought to a conclusion under the most 
 favourable auspices, and was duly sent in to the 
 j roper authorities to await the mighty decision.
 
 2C6 DASHWO0D PRIORY, 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 " I have, and most unwillingly, of late 
 Heard many grievous — 
 
 Grievous complaints of you, which heing considered, 
 Have moved us and our council, that you shall 
 This morning come before us." 
 
 King Henry VIII. 
 
 We must now be allowed to go backward to the 
 beginning of the last chapter, where it is stated 
 that our hero passed his " little go" with great 
 credit. One evening, a few days after this event, he 
 was alone in his rooms. His tea apparatus had not 
 been long removed, and he was deeply engaged with 
 his Bible and Keith's " Evidences of Prophecy," 
 so wrapped up in his employment that he did not 
 hear two sharp little knocks at his door, and, in 
 consequence, was not a little startled by the appa- 
 rition of his cousin close to his elbow. 
 
 " Are you deaf or cataleptic this evening ? " 
 
 Louis started to his feet, and it was a second or 
 two before he comprehended the nature of the 
 interruption. 
 
 "What absorbs vou so much?" asked Frank, 
 as he took up the book that lay near him. 
 " Grote — hum ! Keith — ah, that's a book I 
 recommend to every one !" 
 
 "How, is it a favourite of yours?"
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOHY. 2G7 
 
 " It is a favourite of Dr. Wilkinson's ; and as I 
 always place great dependence upon his judgment, 
 I cannot err." 
 
 " You take his word for it as regards yourself, 
 I --appose," remarked Louis. 
 
 "Just what I Bay" returned Frank. "But 
 now those fellows will pull down my apartments, 
 if I don't be quick on my errand. I have a party 
 of Jiwsicians at my rooms, quiet, steady fellows ; 
 and we've some new music to try, and — and 
 there's a piano accompaniment, and the long and 
 the short is, we want the loan of your piano, and 
 your fingers to play for us. Will you lend us 
 your room for to-night ? we'll be very good." 
 Louis hesitated a minute. 
 
 " Come now, you'll enjoy it yourself. Do you 
 know Purcell?" 
 
 " Xo, nothing, except a solitary anthem and a 
 chant." 
 
 "Then there's a treat for you. Come, you arc 
 too much of a hermit : there's nothing sinful in 
 music." 
 
 Well, on one condition I will," said Louis. 
 "Remember, I am very sedate, and enough of an 
 old woman not to like a noise. I stipulate for 
 early hours and no 'row.'" 
 
 "It's a thing I never do," said Frank, with a 
 flourish. "AY hat a timorous hare you are, to be 
 afraid of a set of quiet musical men." 
 
 Louis looked rather doubtfully at Frank, and 
 shook bis bead.
 
 268 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 "What instruments, Frank?" 
 
 " A flute, two violins, et cetera." 
 
 " Well, as et cetera is coming, remember, honour 
 bright, Frank, you must not get up a row here, 
 nor stay after eleven." 
 
 " A thing I never do," said Frank. 
 
 " As to what you never do, Frank, remember 
 what a friend — " 
 
 "That's just what I say," interrupted Frank. 
 "I always was very accommodating myself: now 
 Fll order our spread in here — eh? what's that? 
 ah, Mr. Louis, you practise pistol-shooting, do 
 you?" 
 
 His quick roving eyes had lighted on a hand- 
 some pistol, which lay on the mantel-piece, and 
 he marched up to examine it more minutely. 
 
 " It's not mine," said Louis, quietly. " More- 
 ton left it here this morning, and I shall be very 
 glad when he calls for it. I have a morbid dis- 
 like of firearms, and I really don't know whether 
 it is loaded or not." 
 
 " Poor chicken !" said Frank. " But I mustn't 
 stay : prepare your quiet self in two minutes for 
 an irruption of the Huns." 
 
 " They were very remarkable for tranquillity," 
 rejoined Louis, beginning to clear the table of the 
 books of reference with which it was crowded. 
 
 "Very," returned Frank. "Adieu. Fll be 
 with you * ere the leviathan can swim a league' " 
 
 Although Louis dearly loved music, and by no 
 means disliked the idea of a musical evening at
 
 DASHWOOD PHIOKY. 269 
 
 any time, he was not altogether without appre- 
 hensions as to the character of Frank's party; nor 
 were his fears calmed -when his door was once 
 more violently flung open, and Ford marched in, 
 bearing a couple of candles, followed by half a 
 dozen more with music-books and instruments, 
 Mr. Halhed bringing up the rear with a violon- 
 cello. One or two of the incomers were speaking 
 acquaintances of Louis', and they performed the 
 ceremony of thanking him for the use of his 
 room. Frank, who had stayed behind to arrange 
 the "spread" with his scout, soon arrived and 
 introduced his unknown friends as Marsden, Hale, 
 Smith, Barton, and Cox, with an intimation, 
 something between a request and a command, 
 they would be pleased to know each other. 
 
 In spite of Louis' previous disinclination to the 
 introduction, he did the honours of his rooms with 
 a courtesy and elegance that won the musicians, 
 and they were soon gathered round the table, from 
 which Louis had removed all traces of his studies, 
 looking oyer the new music, which proved to be 
 an arrangement of some of the music of "King 
 Arthur," with a piano accompaniment, and a 
 chorus from " Boadicea." 
 
 •• We have been making a sad mess of them," 
 1 Hall, "because the cornet-a-piston got bo 
 horridly nut." 
 
 The cornet-a-piston becoming fierce at this, 
 
 taliated upon the violins, and where the argu- 
 nt might have ended we do aoi Know, had on!
 
 270 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Frank come to the rescue by declaring that all 
 were wrong, because they wanted a rallying-point. 
 
 " Then," exclaimed Ford, " Hall was taken up 
 so abominably with the title-pages." 
 
 " I deny it," exclaimed Hall. 
 
 " Why now, didn't you and Halhed get talking 
 in the bar's rests and when you ought to have 
 come in ? all we heard was, ' It's the Elizabethan. 
 No ; the Roman. I can prove it.' " 
 
 There was a hearty laugh. 
 
 " By the bye, Louis, did you ever see anything 
 like these letters ? " said Frank. 
 
 " They are singular," replied Louis ; " but I 
 have often seen printing of that description on 
 handbills." 
 
 " Do you know the origin of italics ? " asked 
 Ford : " I never found any one who did perfectly. 
 It's rather curious." 
 
 Louis having replied in the negative, Ford pro- 
 ceeded to enlighten him. 
 
 " When the renowned grandson of the Alban 
 king had thatched the first palaces in Rome, he 
 invented the Roman alphabet, in order that the 
 heads of his mud college might be able to prose- 
 cute their studies. Determined that everything 
 his people did should be upright and straight- 
 forward, the first alphabetical characters familiar 
 to the juvenility of Rome were of the plain up- 
 right description known to us as the Roman 
 alphabet. Afterwards, when his posterity began 
 to be a little less particular in their dealings, they
 
 msmvooD PRIOET. '271 
 
 were ashamed that their letters should evince 
 more uprightness than themselves, and an ancient 
 writer in the reign of Claudius Caesar, quoting a 
 passage in one of the lost books of Livy, relates 
 that ji lawsuit was commenced between a bar- 
 barian md one of the richest merchants, because 
 the latter had written an upright letter to the 
 former, without even intending it as such. So 
 they invented italics for the purpose of informing 
 the public that they only intended to lean toward- 
 the right, and would not be answerable for conse- 
 quences at any time, should they fail in doing so." 
 \s tor the Elizabethan," added Frank, "it is 
 well known that her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, 
 being rather crooked in her dealings, wished her 
 despatches to be taken in the opposite sense to 
 that which she wrote them, or at all events, to b. 
 
 smbiguous that no one but herself could make 
 head Off tail out of them. Thereupon she caused 
 the alphabet bearing her name to be framed, to 
 the end that all the letters should look as much 
 like one another as possible." 
 
 And I t In nk she succeeded uncommonly well," 
 rejoined Louis, laughing. 
 
 Pordj may I ask you what writer you spoke 
 of who quotes the lost decade of Li\y ':' as] 
 Halhed. " I should like to peruse his writings." 
 
 A hearty bunt of laughter followed the inquiry, 
 
 and Ford bavin- referred his friend to some un- 
 known nam. gested that the performance 
 
 mid be no longer delayed. Louis repaired I
 
 ~72 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 the piano, and after a proper amount of fanning 
 of leaves, and such queries as " Where am I to 
 begin ? Where do I come ? What key ; s this ? 
 How many blacks are there ? " and exclamations 
 from wind instruments, that the piano was too 
 low, and from the stringed that it was too high, 
 they at last commenced, Frank acting as conductor, 
 and two of his friends as audience. Louis' own 
 part at sight was as much as he could look after 
 at first ; but his performance was rapturously 
 applauded at the conclusion of " Britons strike 
 home;" and though each performer had been 
 tolerably independent, all were very well satisfied 
 with the noise except the conductor, who greatly 
 exasperated the players by declaring his unqualified 
 disapprobation of the whole. However, it is not 
 on such occasions that the beauty of the music 
 adds much to the enjoyment, and in the succeed- 
 ing efforts the party grew merrier and merrier, 
 and noisier and noisier, even Louis becoming a 
 little infected, and thoroughly enjoying the beau- 
 tiful music, which possessed all the charms of 
 novelty for him. As they had the words of two 
 choruses, they varied their entertainment by sing- 
 ing, and were in the height of the fun when the 
 supper appeared. Louis continued playing the 
 piano part of " Come if you dare," when Frank 
 whispered something to Ford, who went imme- 
 diately to the mantel-piece, and carefully examined 
 Louis' watch, which stood there in a rosewood 
 stand. Frank meantime waited at the piano till
 
 DASHWOOD PKIORY. 273 
 
 a convenient pause, and then announced to Louis 
 that supper was ready. 
 
 " And I am quite ready," said Louis, jumping 
 up. ''Really this music is quite delightful." 
 
 Vnd you play so capitally," said Hall. 
 
 Really you are quite a genius." 
 
 "Now. Frank/' said Louis, putting his cousin 
 forward, " 1 have lent my rooms, and you are 
 host." 
 
 •■ Nay, I cannot think of taking the head of 
 another man's tahle," said Frank. " We are all 
 much obliged for your assistance, but I could not 
 be comfortable in taking that place." 
 
 "Come, Mortimer, be reasonable," cried several 
 voices ; " and don't oblige us to use force to our 
 host. No one sits down till you take your place." 
 
 Louis obeyed the unanimous call. As he drew 
 near the table, his guests were standing round, 
 and there was a little lull in the noise. It seemed 
 to invite what Louis' own heart dictated to him; 
 but a mistaken feeling of shame stayed his lips, 
 and even while lingering, ere he seated himself, 
 he could not openly acknowledge Him who crowns 
 tlie table of His creatures with plenty. A moment 
 more but a moment of irresolution, and the time 
 irai past, the noise returned, and the calls on the 
 hosl were uninterrupted, but his pleasure was 
 gone. With a Unking heart and listless ear he 
 
 beard the noisy jokes and bad puns, and scarcely 
 
 math' Bfl effort to appear interested in anything 
 
 that followed, only anxious for some opportunity 
 
 T
 
 274) DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 of repairing, if possible, Lis lukewarm omission. 
 He hardly knew how he divided the game before 
 him, or when he poured out the wine, which lie 
 took with some one at the further end of the 
 table, just putting the glass mechanically to his 
 lips, his only thought was, " I have denied Christ ; 
 I have been unwilling to acknowledge my prin- 
 ciples." 
 
 " Why, Mortimer, you are tired," said Ford. 
 " You played like a trooper. Glass of wine, to 
 keep up your spirits." 
 
 Others recommended this infallible panacea for 
 fatigue, and paid equally equivocal compliments 
 on his services. Then one remarked on the 
 "jollity" of the evening, and every failure and 
 success "was recapitulated, the nature of music, 
 and certain scraps of its history discussed, with 
 various anecdotes relative to the point. For 
 the wisdom of all we do not pretend to vouch. 
 Then one started a novel idea in defence of their 
 eccentric time : " That you only learn rules in 
 order to break them, according to taste." 
 
 " Like the yeomanry," said Frank. " As the 
 old woman said, ' Only look at the soldiers ! don't 
 they do it beautiful? pulling out their swords all 
 one after the other ! ' I maintain that time, strict 
 undeviating time, is the greatest requisite in music, 
 gentlemen." 
 
 "I defy time," exclaimed his adversary, from 
 the opposite side of the table. " I say melody, 
 taste."
 
 DABHW00U PBIOBT. 275 
 
 " Feeling," cried another. 
 
 " Harmony," said a third. 
 
 ,f Noise," remarked a fourth. 
 
 "Come; you're an oracle, a judge in musical 
 matters/' said Ford, turning the attention of the 
 company towards their important companion, who 
 Bat with a sententious face, listening as though 
 the other speakers were children. 
 
 *' Now, llalhcd, you're a judge," was the 
 general call ; but there was something so mis- 
 chievously expectant in the tone, that any one 
 less obtuse Mould have declined offering an opi- 
 nion on the knotty point. Mr. Ilalhed was not 
 quicksighted, however, and on being addressed, 
 he gathered himself up very portentously, and 
 replied, in a solemn, deliberate tone, — 
 
 " Demosthenes was once asked what was the 
 first requisite for an orator. He replied, 'Pro- 
 nunciation.' He was asked what was the second 
 requisite. He still replied, ' Pru-uuu-ci-a-tion. y 
 What was the third requisite, ' Pro-nun-ci-a-tion.' 
 So it 1 am asked what is the chief requisite in 
 concerted music, I reply, ' Unanimity.' If I am 
 asked what is the second requisite, I answer, 
 * U-iHi-ni-Hii-ti/.' What the third, ' U-na-ni- 
 
 MI-TV \"> 
 
 Thil oration, delivered in a pompous and ex- 
 tremely solemn manner, was heard throughout 
 with the most profound attention, but was hardly 
 
 ended, when the room rang Bgain with peals of 
 
 laughter, intermingled with criea of "Encore! M 
 
 t 2
 
 27G DASHWOOD PllIORY. 
 
 " Bravo ! " " You've hit the right nail on the head, 
 Halhed ! » 
 
 Ford patted Halhed ou the back encourag- 
 ingly, and told him he would be an orator before 
 his grandmother. " Unanimity 's the thing, that's 
 certain." 
 
 The orator's gratification was apparently doubt- 
 ful, for, after looking inquiringly from face to face, 
 he folded his arms, and sank gloomily back in his 
 chair with compressed lips, while Ford filled his 
 glass, and pressed him to drink after his exertions ; 
 and then, finding his efforts vain, he proposed Mr. 
 Peter Halhed's health in a bumper. Then Halhed 
 grew sulky, and would not return thanks, and the 
 noise waxed more furious, and the rebel to the 
 customs of society was dragged on his feet, in 
 spite of Louis' earnest remonstrance. He pos- 
 sessed, however, sufficient obstinacy to adhere to 
 his determination, and in great anger, on the first 
 convenient opportunity, took up his cap and left 
 the room, with a severe remark on the ungentle- 
 manly manner in which he had been treated. 
 
 Louis hoped that his departure might be a 
 signal for a break-up, but he was woefully mis- 
 taken, for they sat on and laughed at Halhed, and 
 told tales of him, and then sang songs and drank 
 wine so fast, that Louis began to be seriously 
 alarmed for the consequences. He tried to draw 
 Frank's attention; but Frank either would not 
 understand, or was not inclined to notice the hint. 
 At length, the vocalists having exhausted their
 
 DASHWOOD PBIOBY. 277 
 
 Stock, Louis was called upon for his contribution, 
 having twice evaded the demand previously. 
 ink knocked on the table with the handle of 
 his knife to command silence. 
 
 Louis coloured, and rose. 
 
 "I beg to be excused, gentlemen." 
 
 " No excuses ! ** cried several voices. 
 
 Louis Btill remained standing. 
 
 " It is time we concluded our Bacchanalia." 
 
 " Cou^h him down." 
 
 And. accordingly, each guest was immediately 
 '•d with a violent fit of coughing. 
 
 When this had a little subsided, Louis cssaved 
 .- gain. 
 
 •• Prank, you are a man of honour; you know 
 my hours are early, and I cannot have this noise 
 . i v Longer here ; I am sure it must be nearly 
 twelve o'clock." 
 
 •Hear, hear!" cried Frank, "the man's de- 
 mented ; it's not so b x ' me." 
 
 "Nor by mc," said Ford. "lam afraid our 
 company has been dull, .Mortimer?" 
 
 Louis looked puzzled, and left the table to look 
 at his watch ; the hands pointed to twenty minutes 
 
 eleven; still he did not feci convinced. He 
 looked doubtfully at the party, and then quietl\ 
 said, — 
 
 r I think there DHLS! lie some mistake; I will 
 
 inquire of one of my neighbours." 
 
 But before he COUld execute his intention, his 
 
 progress iras arrested by Ford, who placed hi-
 
 278 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 back to the door, and then locking it, put the key 
 into his pocket. Louis' eyes flashed. 
 
 " In my own rooms, sir ! " 
 
 " In my own rooms ! " echoed Ford, insolently. 
 "An Englishman's house is his castle. When 
 you comply with our civil request. You know 
 the old proverb, ' Birds that can sing and won't 
 
 sing .' Come, now, don't be determined and 
 
 fiery, and all that sort of thing ; you lent your 
 rooms till eleven, you know." 
 
 " To be sure," said Frank ; " and by the united 
 concurrence of our watches it is not eleven yet. 
 They can't all have got wrong on purpose to spite 
 you, Louis. It is very ungracious of you to want 
 to get rid of us so soon. Come, sit down ; we'll 
 go at the proper time ; I want to hear a little more 
 of ' King Arthur.' Let's see if we can do it 
 better." 
 
 "It is against all grammar and logic," said 
 Hall, "to say a bad thing can be better, — bad, 
 worse, worst." 
 
 " Then let us see if we can do it worse," re- 
 plied Frank. " ' Nothing venture, nothing have.' " 
 
 As they made a motion to move, Louis returned 
 to the table, in the hope of being able to say 
 grace ; but before he could say a word, the table 
 was vacated, and the piano surrounded with cla- 
 morous cries for the pianist. Louis lingered a 
 minute, till three of the musicians, one on each 
 side, and one behind, forced him to the piano, and, 
 as by his own watch it was not the hour on which
 
 l..\ . ID PRIORY. .'270 
 
 lie liad fixed, he mechanically resumed his occu- 
 pation. 
 
 " I say, Ford," remonstrated Hall, " we have 
 
 her too much noise, — too much horn obbligato. 
 Even supposing you were a first trumpet, I don't 
 know that it would save us from the unpleasant 
 consequences of keeping the dons awake. Entre 
 \8 } I'd advise you to keep your horn a little 
 more in the background." 
 
 "My horn! — no envious reflections, base in- 
 siuuator ! " replied the accused, blowing a blast 
 of defiance : " I should like to know what would 
 become of the music, if the eornet-a-piston were 
 tacit." 
 
 "We'll show you, if you will be quiet till we 
 •:ct to the end." 
 
 "Come, Louis/ 3 said Frank, " sing this with 
 me." 
 
 No more now: I cannot sing any more to- 
 night," replied Louis, rising from his seat. "It 
 '•> now past eleven, and I cannot have any more 
 music here, Frank. I have relied on your honour, 
 and now you must go. Remember, 1 am respon- 
 
 ile for the noise in niv rooms. Mr. Ford, will 
 \ on unfasten the door ?" 
 
 I'll sport the oak " said Ford, "and then we 
 may set the dons at defiance." 
 
 ■ Tins condud LI 001 to be borne," said Louis; 
 ' Frank— " 
 
 M \ 1 1 • : 1 1 I you arc too hullY," said Frank, 
 
 Confidentially. "Take it in good part and sing them
 
 280 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 a song, and we'll go. I shall not be able to get 
 them out without it." 
 
 But Louis was inflexible. He seated himself 
 on the sofa, and would not be cajoled into doing 
 anything. Ford fastened the outer door, and then 
 relocking the inner, commenced a vigorous attack 
 on Louis, whose determined resistance, in their 
 excited state, only incited them the more. He 
 declared at length, he would play " Britons, strike 
 home ! " till Louis gave them a song, and he con- 
 tinued blowing loud blasts till his friends, in self- 
 defence, took their several instruments, and com- 
 menced a new description of a Dutch concert, on 
 an extended scale. But the uproar was by thi« 
 time destined to receive a check. 
 
 Mr. Royston, who had been deeply absorbed in 
 an abstract mathematical calculation, now became 
 sensible, in the stillness of the night, that an 
 unusual noise was proceeding from a room on his 
 side of the " quad," and after enduring it for a few 
 minutes, rose and sallied forth to ascertain whence 
 it issued. As he left his rooms, the sounds burst 
 on him in all their power, and directed him to the 
 place whence they came. He had nearly reached 
 Louis' rooms, when he met Mr. L., who had been 
 roused from his slumbers by the same uproar ; and 
 mutually expressing their surprise at hearing so 
 much noise from such a quarter at that hour, 
 they proceeded to knock at the closed door. 
 
 The musicians were at the height of their 
 uproa"*", and wild with excitement. At first the
 
 DA- II WOOD PRIORY. r.'Sl 
 
 repeated knocking did not arouse them. Louis 
 was the first who heard it, and starting from the 
 sofa, he stilled the noise for a moment by pointing 
 to the door. 
 
 • Hey! what?" said Ford. 
 
 A loud and continued rapping. The musicians 
 listened, and Frank Mith open mouth and eyes 
 looked from one to the other. 
 
 u Noa erat" he said at length, with ludicrous 
 solemnity — " There was a knock."' 
 
 " The enemy 's come/' said Ford. 
 
 A voice was now heard, but what was said was 
 undistinguishablc. It was answered by Frank in 
 the same tone, at I sec a voice; I hear a face.'" 
 
 " Ford, give me the key," said Louis. 
 
 " I don't know what I have done with it." 
 
 " Find it quickly ; or some one break open the 
 door somehow." 
 
 •• Now, what a wasteful young gentleman you 
 ..I' to go spoiling good locks in that manner," 
 said Ford ironically, as Louis seized the poker 
 
 'I began to exert his own strength on the 
 
 door. 
 
 " Frank, help me," he cried. "I have not the 
 least idea how to do thi-." 
 
 But Frank seized the COmet-a-pistOB instead, 
 and blew the lirst few notes of ''Come, if you 
 dare I '' and the others stimulated fiddled away in 
 
 defiance; while Louis, after- vainly uaing the 
 
 ker, tried a knife on the lock and broke it. .\< 
 every interval of the noise, the outer rapping, and
 
 28.2 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 a command, partially audible, to open the door, 
 was heard, but iu a few minutes it ceased. 
 
 " The enemy 's routed/' said Frank, as he laid 
 his trumpet down; "and I think we had better 
 decamp as soon as the coast 's clear." 
 
 " We shall get into a pretty mess," said one 
 who was more sober than the rest. u We have 
 forgotten that the dons are not deaf. Hadn't we 
 better be off at once ? It only wants a quarter 
 to one." 
 
 "Frank! is this vour honour?" said Louis, 
 indignantly. 
 
 But Frank was not to be touched by any appeal 
 at present. He was, however, sufficiently sensible 
 to the necessity of going immediately, and having 
 prevailed upon Ford to find the missing key, the 
 door was unlocked and the instruments shouldered. 
 
 " You had better leave them till to-morrow," 
 said Frank ; " you will run better without them." 
 
 There was a grand searching for caps, and 
 hardly had each possessed himself of one, when 
 the knocking vas renewed with double furv. 
 
 " We are done for," said Hall. 
 
 "We are not without arms," said Frank, 
 snatching the pistol from the mantel-piece, and 
 planting himself firmly opposite the entrance as 
 Louis threw open the door. " Stand back, who- 
 ever you are. I'll shoot the first man that enters." 
 
 The words had hardly passed his lips when 
 Mr. Royston entered, and a loud report told that 
 the threat had been put into execution. A loud
 
 DASHW00D TUIORY. 283 
 
 . from Louis at the instant the weapon was raised 
 warned the good tutor to stand back, and a kind 
 prompt hand knocked up the pistol at the moment 
 it was fired, or the old man had never spoken 
 in. The bullet whizzed by, and lodged in the 
 wall above t he door. There was a dead silence of 
 horror. Frank let the weapon fall, and turning 
 white, staggered against Ford, groaning, "Oh, 
 oh ! I did not know it was loaded I" 
 
 lie was at this instant seized bv a rough hand 
 and pushed behind the door, and Mr. Royston's 
 voice said huskily, "Not one word, sir; not one 
 word. Don't betray yourself, or — " 
 
 He did not finish his sentence, for a fresh party 
 had entered at the moment. "What passed neither 
 Louis nor Frank could well say they knew. They 
 knew that an investigation was going on, that it 
 was discovered that the pistol was loaded, and 
 that, finally, they were all called upon to give 
 their names, and were led each one to his room-, 
 with an injunction to keep them till further notice. 
 
 ink lunged to speak to Mr. Royston, but thai 
 
 ntleman talked constantly of the enormity of 
 the sin and the necessity of making an example, 
 and never approached him, nor exhibited the Lead 
 
 amiseration for him. 
 
 When all were gone, and the last i'ooNtep had 
 
 died away in silence. Louis began gradually to 
 
 .lize what had happened, and to understand the 
 
 LOOS position in which he was placed. lie 
 
 id with folded arms fur full ten minutes alter
 
 281 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 his door was closed, looking abstractedly on the 
 desolate scene before him. He then threw him- 
 self on the sofa, and, burying his face in the 
 pillow, neither moved nor spoke for an hour ; and 
 when he next raised his head, the room was in 
 darkness. He threw himself on his knees, and 
 spread his case before his God ; and gradually the 
 burden grew lighter, and a consciousness of for- 
 giveness for his part in that night's errors, and a 
 conviction of blamelessness with respect to the 
 uproar came 4 but then as fears for himself were 
 lightened, those for his cousin increased. With 
 bis usual sweetness, he forgot Frank's breach of 
 word, which had brought him and the whole party 
 into the scrape, and all the rough usage he had 
 received, and only thought of the trouble in which 
 his tormentors were, and the slight hope that 
 appeared for any of them. At last, worn out, he 
 sank into a light doze, and woke as the first grey 
 morning light stole into his chamber, and exhi- 
 bited to his view the wreck of the previous night's 
 revelry; — remains of dishes, broken glass, empty 
 decanters, stained and crumpled tablecloth. Here 
 a knife and fork on the floor ; there a black bottle 
 rolling. A violin under foot in one direction ; the 
 obnoxious cornet-a-piston in another. Pieces of 
 music in various parts, with loose and torn leaves. 
 He looked sadly on all, with a fervent determina- 
 tion never to have such another morning sight in 
 his rooms, and drew back the partially-closed 
 window-curtains. Over the tops of the opposite
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 285 
 
 buildings a yellow rim of light was gradually dis- 
 placing the grey mantle of early morning; and 
 conspicuously before hini in solitary sweetness, as 
 a gleam of promise, shone the fair morning star. 
 The stillness, the calmness of that quiet sky 
 - i-med to shed its influence over his mind; and 
 he knelt down before the window, and in the 
 depths of his full heart breathed the unuttered 
 petition which asked everything for His sake, who 
 has said, (> I am the bright and morning star! " 
 
 When he rose from his knees, and retired at 
 length to bed, it was in the sweet consciousness 
 that nothing should harm him, that all Mould 
 yet be well : and this sweet consciousness comes 
 often to the trusting child of God. " Who shall 
 harm vou, if ve be followers of that which is 
 good?" The world cannot understand his secu- 
 rity — his sine confidence. 
 
 Louis was in a heavy slumber when the scout's 
 summons roused him. He answered mechanically 
 
 ■ 
 
 and fell asleep again till the chapel bell began to 
 ring; when, remembering he was a prisoner, he 
 
 dressed deliberately, and went into his sitting- 
 room, now comfortably arranged for breakfast. 
 lie had scarcely begun to make his coll'ee, when 
 
 the door vrai unceremoniously burst open, and 
 
 Hamilton walked in, in a state of great excite- 
 ment, lie closed the dour, and then stood still 
 near it as Louis :ose, and without noticing his 
 
 morning welcome, began — 
 
 " hums, what have you been about? Yon bave
 
 28G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 got yourself into a pretty scrape, now, have you 
 not V s 
 
 As Louis did not answer, but stood looking at 
 him with changing colour, Hamilton commenced 
 a hasty march up and down the room, without 
 speaking. Presently, stopping suddenly, he ex- 
 claimed — 
 
 " What possessed you to have that wild set 
 here ? Louis, you want looking after like a baby. 
 Just the old, old story !— the old, old story ! " he 
 continued, resuming his march. " Well, you have 
 done it now. You will be rusticated as sure as 
 fate — as sure as fate, if not worse ; and I dare say 
 you have not had much hand in it. It is really 
 the most vexatious piece of business . Well, you 
 deserve it, too, for that terrible shilly-shallying 
 habit of yours : nothing but experience ever will 
 teach you to stand by yourself." 
 
 Louis placed the cup he was holding on the 
 table, and looked steadily at Hamilton, with a 
 face from which all colour seemed to have flown, 
 but he did not speak. 
 
 " You seem to be wonderfullv cool and uncon- 
 cerned," said Hamilton, impatiently; " do you 
 understand what has happened, Mr. Mortimer ? ,: 
 
 " Quite," replied Louis, with calmness ; " quite : 
 but I could not help it. And I feel I am not to 
 blame even for having them here ; and if I suffer, 
 it will be with a clear conscience." 
 
 Hamilton shook his head, but paused in his 
 walk, and Louis continued :
 
 DASHWOOD P&IORY. 287 
 
 " Sit down and hear me quietly; and perhapa 
 you will think, after all, I have not been very 
 much to blame." 
 
 Hamilton declared he could hear very well 
 standing; and Louis, reseating himself, began his 
 story, — his friend moving up and down the room 
 at intervals till it was concluded; when he drew 
 near the fire, and taking a chair, sat for a few 
 minutes in deep thought. Louis watched the 
 relaxed expression of his countenance anxiously. 
 
 • Well," he said at length, "it is better than I 
 expected. Mr. Frank di everything, he does 
 
 indeed. He'll get a pretty lesson this time, 
 however ; I am glad of it.'' 
 
 " Hamilton ! " said Louis, reproachfully. 
 
 " A man who saerilices his word of honour to a 
 practical joke, deserves all the punishment he 
 meets with. Badly as I have always thought of 
 his low joking, I did not think that of Frank." 
 
 " Noi did 1" said Louis ; " yet I am very sorry." 
 
 Hamilton would acknowledge no tenderness of 
 feeling on the point. 
 
 ■ Had lie kept his word," he said, " it would all 
 
 have been well. He has brought it entirely on 
 himself; lie has no one to blame but himself. 
 Dear me,' he continued, very gravely ; "what 
 mercy— poor fellow! It is a severe lesson. It might 
 have been '-till worse. Now, Louis, go on with your 
 operations. 1 will take some breakfast with you, 
 
 and thin 1 -hall go and get an interview, ifp0S< 
 sible, with the head, and set this matter right."
 
 288 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 " Do not be hard on Frank, Hamilton," said 
 Louis, earnestly. 
 
 " I shall tell the whole truth. I will not leave 
 the matter half done," replied Hamilton, decidedly. 
 " Of course, I shall do Frank no avoidable harm." 
 
 Louis proceeded in his preparations, while 
 Hamilton asked where he could find a sheet of 
 paper, and having obtained it, sat writing rapidly 
 at the breakfast-table, even after his cup was 
 filled, and a couple of eggs placed near him by 
 Louis' silent care. He turned round hastily now 
 and then, and absently partook of the refreshment, 
 till at length pushing aside his writing materials 
 with a " That will do," he set to work more seri- 
 ously to the business before him, and talked of 
 one or two common-place subjects to Louis. At 
 last he rose, and bidding Louis a hasty adieu, left 
 the room, taking with him the paper he had filled. 
 
 He paused a moment on the staircase outside, 
 and then ran up to the landing above, where two of 
 the party of the preceding night lived, and after 
 a hasty knock, walked into the nearest room, 
 paper in hand, to the owner, who was lying full 
 length on the sofa reading a novel. 
 
 " I have but little time, Mr. Cox," he said, with 
 a slight stiff bow. " Mv business will excuse mv 
 intrusion. I believe you were in Mr. Mortimer's 
 rooms last night ? " 
 
 " I was," replied the gentleman, who had risen, 
 at first not recognizing Hamilton, whoni he knew 
 only by sight.
 
 li\ EIWOOD PEIOKY. 
 
 "Will you do me the favour to look at this 
 paper, and sign it, if you find the declaration 
 correct ? " 
 
 Cos coloured, and taking the paper from 
 Hamilton's hand, glanced over it, and rubbed 
 his hand over his mouth. 
 
 " It is to the purport, you see, that Mr. Mor- 
 timer was imposed upon; that the time of his 
 watch was altered, and Ins door forcibly locked. 
 It is truth, and you cannot as a gentleman refi 
 to sign it. I have come to you first as the neat* \ 
 I shall get the signatures of all." 
 
 Cox looked at Hamilton doubtfullv, but the 
 calm determined gaze he met, seemed to ch< 
 -nine coming remonstrance, and he took the paper 
 to his desk and signed it without a word. A I 
 with another still' bow, Hamilton retired, and pro- 
 ceeded on the same errand to the other room-. 
 
 Forgetting that Prank's room was on the same 
 staircase with Louis', he made all his other 
 calls first. Mr. Ilalhcd cordially bore witni ss 
 Louis' gentlemanly conduct, by declaring he v 
 the onlj One of the party who behaved like 
 
 gentleman. Hamilton wasted no time anywlu re. 
 The last visit, before returning to Louis' staircase, 
 Mas to Ford, whom he found carelessly amusing 
 himself with a chess problem, seated before the 
 
 tire, with a loot on each hob, whistling the while 
 
 with apparent indifference to consequences. He 
 
 noved his feet on Hamilton's entrance, and aC- 
 tation fl ith one' equally distant.
 
 290 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 asked to what lie might attribute the pleasure of 
 a visit from him so early. 
 
 "To get you to perform an act of strict justice," 
 said Hamilton. " I must have your signature to 
 this paper, if you please." 
 
 An ironical smile passed over Ford's face as he 
 glanced over the declaration. 
 
 " Come as special pleader for your friend. 
 "Well, suppose I don't choose to put down my 
 name as witness for his good conduct." 
 
 " There is no alternative," said Hamilton, 
 quietly; "unless you resign your claim to the 
 title of gentleman. Your name being omitted 
 will only reflect upon yourself. You can give me 
 the paper, if you do not choose to sign it." 
 
 Ford scowled at Hamilton, and deliberately 
 began to read the writing, Hamilton standing by 
 without evincing any of the internal chafing 
 which the intentional tardiness produced in his 
 mind. 
 
 "Either your name or the paper," he said at 
 length : " I can wait no longer." 
 
 Ford slowly produced a pencil-case from his 
 waistcoat pocket, and after screwing the lead up 
 with equal deliberation, very slowly wrote his 
 name, and still retaining his hold as he handed 
 the paper to Hamilton, said, — 
 
 " I presume you arc bound for the Head, eh ? " 
 
 "What then?" said Hamilton, coldly. 
 
 " Because Royston — stop ! do you know who 
 fired the pistol ? "
 
 ..'. OD PEIOEY. 291 
 
 a 
 
 I do/' ton's laconic reply. 
 
 "Then the Head doesn't, that's all. Royston 
 didn't let the name out, and he won't/' 
 
 Hi? looked very hard at Hamilton, whose stern 
 counl :: slaxed in the slightest possible 
 
 degn , and returned the paper as he added, " A 
 word to the wise." 
 
 Hamilton's last errand was to Frank. lie had 
 met with a ready compliance from all the oth( 
 who generally expressed {heir Borrow tor the scrap* 
 into which they had got Louis in common with 
 themselves, and for the manner in which they had 
 returned his kindness. 
 
 Frank's breakfast was untouched, nor ha 
 made any attempt to begin it. The break: 
 things remained where they had been placed, ;. 
 the kettle was sending forth huge clouds of steam. 
 unnoticed by its owner, who sat with one elb 
 on the table, his chin resting on his hand, with hi » 
 back to the door. lie made no attempt to dis- 
 
 ise his distress, and Hamilton was aim 
 shocked to see the change one night's w arj m 
 had made. His face seemed suddenlv to ha 
 become Ballow, and his eyes, usually BO full I 
 fun and fire, weri' I i ,i ii and dull. His h 
 
 pearance and untidy hair, pushed back I 
 
 90 unlike him, ami s;> 
 
 o much trouble, that Hamilton' rn cnthu- 
 ... rL »uia j ielded to a softer emotion, i i 
 
 'veil at him at. first as if he did nut know him, 
 and v. ishing him good morning, made some remi 

 
 292 dashwood priory. 
 
 about tlic kettle burning, and removing it, asked 
 Hamilton to sit down. 
 
 " I have no time, thank you ; I want your sig- 
 nature to this, Frank. You behaved very ill to 
 Louis last night, and this is all you can do to 
 repair it. He must not suffer for your want of 
 honour." 
 
 " Hamilton, you are too hard." 
 
 " I am not, Frank ; he relied only on you, and 
 you have betrayed him." 
 
 "You cannot say anything that I do not feel. 
 I can only offer in apology what you would not 
 receive as such. I will do anything. I mean to 
 clear Louis fully before I go, — as soon as " 
 
 Hamilton looked compassionately on him, but 
 could not comfort him. Frank fetched the ink- 
 stand, but his hand trembled so violently when he 
 took the pen, that he could not write his name 
 legibly for a minute or two. 
 
 " I don't know whether they can read it ; but, 
 Hamilton," he added, " you will believe me now, 
 though I have not been as good as my word. 
 Before God, I did not know that pistol was loaded. 
 I never thought of that." 
 
 " I believe you from my heart, Frank. Poor 
 fellow ! " replied Hamilton, squeezing his hand ; 
 but he gazed steadily and almost sternly into his 
 pale face, till his gaze brought a shade of colour 
 there, and Frank replied, — 
 
 " I know everything you say there, Hamilton. 
 If I never thanked God trnlv before I have now
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOHY. 293 
 
 for that wonderful escape. It was an insult any 
 how, Hamilton, I should not have offered, had I 
 been in my senses, for — he — has been very kind 
 to me. Hamilton, I will never taste another 
 drop of wine while I am in college; but that — it 
 is no use Baying about that now. Good-bye." 
 
 •• ( lome, things may he better than you think," 
 
 I Hamilton, kindly. "You had better get 
 something to eat ; you look knocked up." 
 
 Prank shook his head, and Hamilton departed 
 with a promise to call in again when he had 
 finished his errand. What passed in the inter- 
 
 w Hamilton readily gained, has not transpired ; 
 hut in h-> than an hour he returned to Louis, 
 bearing the welcome news that all was straight so 
 far as himself was concerned ; and while he was 
 
 lating all the interesting particulars, a messenger 
 arrived commanding Louis' attendance in the 
 
 oimon room, where a few words released him 
 from his durance, and' gently admonished him 
 
 oust had company, kindly alluding at the same 
 
 ic to his known steadiness and exemplary beha- 
 viour since coming into residence, and recom- 
 mending him to persevere in the same course to 
 the end. \> he left his room on the way to this 
 interview, Hamilton said, in a low voice, — 
 
 "They do nol know who fired the pistol." 
 
 I [owever, Louie was asked no questions, and left 
 
 the presence w ithoul any obligation of Baying Mi' 
 
 than •• Thank you." 
 But the characters of the res! of the party
 
 294 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 underwent a more searching ordeal. Gate-books 
 were scrutinized, lecture and cliapel lists conned, 
 and notes compared : and here Frank's unremit- 
 ting regularity and early hours stood him in good 
 stead ; and as his friends generally were not very 
 flagrant offenders, the dons seemed inclined to be 
 lenient. In vain was the name of the principal 
 offender demanded of Mr. lloyston; he was inflexi- 
 ble, and spoke so bravely and warmly on the hasty 
 mistake which the youth, whoever he was, was 
 ruing so bitterly at the moment, that all expressed 
 their admiration of the kindness of the feelings of 
 their colleague. It was at last concluded that the 
 gentlemen should be reprimanded and "gated,"* 
 and the matter passed over. Two of them, how- 
 ever, of whom Ford was one, were laid up in 
 remembrance for the next slight offence, as many 
 omissions and commissions were found recorded 
 against them. There was little doubt in the 
 minds of the authorities *as to the real offender, 
 when the young men in a body entered the room ; 
 but the same glance which revealed all, also told 
 that the punishment was enough. Frank stood 
 motionless, with dull, heavy eyes fixed on his 
 judges, as if he expected nothing, heard nothing, 
 and knew nothing. After a long speech on the 
 gross impropriety of their conduct, the Head con- 
 cluded with — 
 
 " This offence would have been much more 
 
 * I. e. (for the benefit of the uninitiated), confined to the 
 college after dark.
 
 SHWOOD FBIOBY. 
 
 rarely visited, had not Mr. Royston refused to 
 e up the name of the guilty party, whom we 
 mid have expelled, had we discovered him. As 
 it is, considering the regularity and steadiness of 
 nearly all, we are Avilling to pass over it under 
 •;ain restrictions. We need nut, we hope, re- 
 commend that the first use you will make of your 
 liberty will be to make all the amends in vour 
 power to Mr. Royston, whom you have so grossly 
 iiisnlii d 
 
 The restrictions w< re then named, and with low 
 hows and thanks tor the leniency shown, the party 
 withdrew to .Mi-. Royston's rooms with a sense of 
 relief, and in one or two of gratitude, that can 
 
 food only by those who have been in a 
 similar condition. Ford professed to make light 
 of it, but no one followed his example. Frank 
 remained behind, and as the last entered the 
 loom, turned towards the door of his own. He 
 red into it, and sat down in a sort of giddy 
 stupor, till he supposed the ceremony was over in 
 tutor's room, lie met his friends coming out 
 quil eered. 
 
 "• 'I ae i i over, Digby. but von won't 
 
 behaved very well ; but he 
 ■on were. Yon mu ad thank 
 
 him." 
 
 " Do yon suppose I need any reminder V* said 
 I scd them and entered the room. 
 
 man had bet .1 a little disappointed 
 
 und
 
 296 DASHWOOD PRIOilY. 
 
 Frank removed his cap and approached a few 
 steps, but he could not speak; he unclosed his 
 white lips, but no sound came, and a violent fit of 
 shivering came on, which he could hardly repress 
 by the most determined efforts. 
 
 Mr. Royston looked and waited. 
 
 " Never mind ; that will do/' he said at last, 
 very gently. " Poor lad, I know you'll never 
 cut the old man's coat again, eh ? there, there." 
 
 Frank was worn out with intense trouble, fast- 
 ing, and his sleepless night. He began : " Sir — " 
 and then letting his cap fall, he sank on one knee, 
 and covering his face with both hands sobbed 
 \iolently. 
 
 " There, there/' exclaimed the tutor, removing 
 one of his hands and pressing it fondly. " There, 
 there now, no more crying ; it can't be helped. 
 Boys' frolic: — it was a serious one though," he 
 said, kindly ; but his own eyes were filled with a 
 moisture that did him honour, and his hand shook 
 nearly as much as Frank's. " There now, get up. 
 You're overdone. These late hours are sad 
 things. I know you'll be more steady; come 
 and sit down." 
 
 Frank raised his head, and with an effort gasped 
 
 out, — 
 
 " I am unworthy of your kindness, sir ; I did 
 not know the pistol was loaded. Can you forgive 
 me?" 
 
 " Nay, I don't suppose you thought of killing 
 anv of the old boys," returned Mr. Royston.
 
 • fv 
 
 
 :'-V 

 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 297 
 
 " I'll tell von what vou must do, Frank ; vou 
 must kneel down tins day and thank HlM who 
 turned that weapon aside. You know I don't 
 mean that human hand : no, wc must look beyond 
 that;" he said, very seriously. "This morning 
 mighl have brought no relief." 
 
 " To a life-long sorrow/' murmured Frank. 
 
 '■'And. Prank, vou must think seriously before 
 II im where the fault lav: it wasn't whollv in 
 pointing a pistol." 
 
 " No, sir, it was not, indeed," replied Frank, 
 sinking his faee on his hands again. "Not wholly 
 indeed," he murmured indistinctly. 
 
 Mr. Royston raised him up and made him sit 
 down, and then bustled about to get a glass of 
 wine, which he made him drink, and watched the 
 cessation of the violent shivering and sobs, and 
 made him warm his cold hands. 
 
 There had been little said, but Mr. Royston 
 
 understood it all, and resolutely stopped Prank's 
 
 its to explain his emotions of gratitude and 
 
 row, both almost too vehement for words. It 
 
 was marly an hour before Prank returned to his 
 
 rooms, when In- -ported his oak, and Long remained 
 in solemn prayer and repentance for the e\ents of 
 
 i he last fru hours. 
 
 Prank was not weak, nor did impressions easily 
 
 wear off with him. lie adhered strictly to his 
 determination, withstood the jeering and imita- 
 tions ot' his acquaintance, and never tasted wine 
 all the remainder of his college career ; and it
 
 298 
 
 DASHWOOD PHIOIIY. 
 
 was remarked that, though in the course of time 
 his love of fun resumed its place, he never planned 
 nor engaged in any practical jokes, and his love 
 and attention to the kind old tutor were only 
 equalled by that which Mr. Royston lavished on 
 his truly reformed pupil. 
 
 frees <r.' 
 
 .
 
 DA> I 1'itIOKY. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 "In acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy 
 
 paths." 
 
 it thy works unto Him, and thy thoughts shall bo 
 
 • 
 
 mphe .' It was a glorious June day, Oxford 
 rmed with visitors: beds were not to be had 
 at the principal inns for love or money. All the 
 fat!. aothers, brothers, and sisters, to e 
 
 nothing of cousins and friends, seemed to have 
 mimed themselves into the venerable citv, for 
 the grand commemoration of benefactors. 
 
 Early in the morning from every quarter in 
 
 which a college stood rushed the eager gownsmen 
 
 to the small door of the theatre, each one desperate 
 
 to be first, pushing, jostling, and squeezing each 
 
 ithervi ithont mercy, the foremost rank beingcruelly 
 
 pro I gainst the iron rails, ponring oul thr 
 
 at on the policeman in attendance if 
 
 did not admit them before the hour. The two 
 
 I ■ .. d >or were Frank Diebyai ailton, 
 
 * 
 
 ' was the adidate for the 
 
 English prize poem, and v. read his produc- 
 
 tion before th< ibled multitude. At length, 
 
 when the aoise and i: tiona \ their 
 
 the door was suddenly opened, and in 
 hed the mob. I I Hamilton ran for
 
 300 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 their lives ; hundreds were after them mad with 
 excitement for the front row in the under- 
 graduates' gallery ; one false step, and whoever it 
 might be must be trampled to death. Up the 
 narrow staircase thev tore, and the three foremost 
 comers attaining the entrance to the gallery at 
 once, were all jammed in the doorway, unable 
 either to retreat or advance. Suddenly the mighty 
 force behind sent them all through with a violent 
 jerk, that threw them forward hardly able to 
 regain their equilibrium ; but the race was run, 
 the battle won, and with torn shirt-collars, ragged 
 gowns, missing neckerchiefs, and other mishaps, 
 the whole body tumbled in in like fashion, and 
 amid hooting, yelling, and laughter, our two friends 
 took their places, in the most convenient situa- 
 tion in the front row, congratulating themselves 
 on their success. 
 
 Now, though it may to some appear a work of 
 supererogation to enlarge on the scene of action, 
 so well known to thousands in our land, and 
 though we may fairly suppose that when an Oxford 
 Guide-book is not attainable, a kind friend may 
 generally be found to supply missing details on 
 these interesting points, yet as our volume is in- 
 tended for those who have not vet commenced 
 their own life at Oxford, and may be read by 
 many who have no opportunity of enlightenment, 
 we will ask those familiar with the scene to excuse 
 us, and to pass on while we endeavour to bring 
 the interior of the theatre before the eyes of those
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 301 
 
 who know nothing about it, and we will enter for 
 their benefit, with Hamilton and Frank, into the 
 highest gallery, a large roomy light gallery, the 
 only fault of which was that it was not spacious 
 enough for the numbers that lawfully or unlaw- 
 fully poured into it. Above their heads was a 
 beautiful painted ceiling; but as the gentlemen 
 Were well acquainted with its beauties already, it 
 had no attraction lor them; the cynosure of every 
 eye being a pulpit, considerably beneath them, 
 but elevated above the heads of all below. Thei(; 
 was another gallery underneath, of course only 
 partially visible to the undergraduates, which was 
 tilled with ladies in lull dress. Immediately in 
 fronl of the ladies 3 gallery were elevated seats for 
 the dons. Opposite the entrance into the gallery 
 was the orchestra, from under which the college 
 authorities and visitors, who claimed entrance to 
 the pit or body of the building, entered. There 
 was another pulpit immediately under Prank and 
 Hamilton, facing that already mentioned ; but with 
 this they had little interest, us it was not in any 
 way connected with the Newdigate hero. 
 
 The ladies were all seated, but the area below 
 
 was empty ; and pending its tilling, the noisy occu- 
 pants "f the upper gallery amused themselves in 
 then- own way. It was, j"ir excellence, their 
 
 <la\ , when their in 3 opinion'- of things in general 
 
 might be expressed without fear of consequences, 
 
 and a g< .ml u>e they made of it ;is far as LuUgS 
 
 were concerned. The continued repetition of the
 
 30.2 DASHWOOD PRIOllY. 
 
 question,, " "What do you think of so and so ? " 
 applied to various individuals popular or ob- 
 noxious, eliciting vehement cheers, hisses, or 
 groans, at times mingled, was varied by " Three 
 cheers for the ladies \" " Three groans for the proc- 
 tors \" laughter, hooting, and all the other attend- 
 ants on the ceremony, which would defy the power 
 of pen to describe. At length from under the 
 orchestra came the Vice-chancellor, preceded by 
 the bedelles, and followed by the inferior lumi- 
 naries, who all took their places in the seats in 
 front of the ladies' gallery. Then followed the 
 bestowal of the honorary degrees on the " most 
 dignified/' and " most illustrious " personages, 
 who had previously been deemed worthy of the 
 honour, and as each newly-made doctor passed 
 into his place, the excitement of the upper gallery 
 was emitted in vociferous cheers. 
 
 Not to be too tedious, we will pass over the 
 following forms, and the Latin verses, to which, 
 though recited by our friend Charles Clifton, the 
 noisy audience paid little or no attention, having 
 apparently established the principle that Latin is 
 a " bore," — and make way for the hero of the day, 
 who has been standing back in the right-hand 
 rostrum during the previous recitation. Louis 
 had been summoning up his courage for the last 
 two days, and had concluded about two minutes 
 before his entrance, by wondering if he should be 
 able to say a word, when he found himself perched 
 above a mass of heads m constant motion below
 
 ii \ a FOOD PBIOBY. 303 
 
 him, whil jiit hand Mas a galaxy of 
 
 trillion and beauty, and above, hundreds of eye 
 all anxious to see him. The magnitude of the 
 place, the glitter and beauty around him, onh 
 seemed to bewilder him. The colour rushed furi- 
 ously into his face, and his first impulse was to 
 h out again ; but while the orator was pcrform- 
 : his part, his self-possession gradually returned, 
 and by di was able to distinguish his 
 
 mother amid the B( a of ladies ; and there were t\. 
 laces very near him not strange, and by degree 
 remembered the likeness to his old friend 
 lisbury; and though he could not remember 
 j, he was sure two of Fred's sisters were 
 there. Hamilton's friendly face seemed to re- 
 are him, and he recognized more than one of 
 his friends in the upper gallery, though his position 
 at | did not allow him to see any old faces 
 
 down below. He had grown quite calm, and had 
 nost forgotten he was to play any part in that 
 : audience, when his turn came, and he found 
 himself standing he knew not how in the front 
 m:k1 of the back of the rostrum. His head 
 ;n as the painful idea of making his own voice 
 heard by BUCh an audience rushed over him, and 
 his only thought at first was, "It is utterly im- 
 possible! I never can make them hear." This 
 
 iviction flashed across his mind in an instant, 
 he tremendous cheer greeted his appearance. 
 
 ff hot and cold, but as bis hesitation 
 
 on the poinl of becoming perceptible and
 
 30 i< DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 painful, his eyes caught clown below the figure of 
 his father and Dr. Wilkinson, and nerviDg himself 
 by a determined effort, he began. He was sur- 
 prised to find how distinctly his voice sounded in 
 the stillness with which his commencement was 
 received. Now it was that the early care bestowed 
 on him, in careful reading, and his late practice 
 with Hamilton, shone forth ; for though not pos- 
 sessed of a powerful voice, his distinct and careful 
 enunciation let not a word fall, and as he pro- 
 ceeded further in his composition, his diction be- 
 came more fervid and impassioned, till at one 
 slight pause, when his own heart had beat more 
 warmly, and his eye fired with the glory of 
 his subject, a hearty burst of vehement applause 
 paid a tribute, as much to the beauty of the read- 
 ing as to the lines ; and these were allowed by all 
 competent judges to be of no mediocre order, and 
 far surpassing any which for years had gained 
 the prize. 
 
 The poem proceeded through the four great 
 empires, dwelling slightly, but powerfully, on the 
 varied events in each, pointing to the development 
 of that time when the stone, that " Stone of 
 stumbling and rock of offence," but " precious 
 Corner-stone ;" that little, rejected, insignificant 
 stone, yet " cut out of the everlasting hills with- 
 out hands," "neither made nor created," smote 
 the image on its feet, and bearing all down by its 
 mighty and irresistible force, still waxing larger 
 and larger, " became a great mountain, and filled
 
 DASH WOOD PRIOllY. 
 
 die whole earth." Surely it was a theme on 
 which the pious young heart rejoiced to dwell, 
 that glorious time when "the knowledge of the 
 
 iry of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the 
 waters cover the sea;" and Louis' soul was in 
 and the earnestness of his utterance and the 
 
 vour of his tones seemed to create a kindred 
 warmth in his hearers for the time ; and when he 
 concluded, half a minute's silence honoured the 
 majesty of his Bubject, and then cheer after cheer 
 arose as he gracefully bowed and quitted the scene 
 of his glory. And where did he go? His heart 
 
 - overflowing. He waited for no one, not even 
 his parents. There was something before that; 
 there was One to whom the first vows were to be 
 paid ; and regardless of all else, he hurried to his 
 roomSj and shutting the door, rushed into his 
 bedroom. 
 
 '•This is too much, O my God ! This hoi; 
 for me ! 1 am not worthy of it." 
 
 And hi' raised hi-- hands and tearful eyes, ;is he 
 
 ok '>n his kneeSj u Oh, that I could praise Thee ! 
 l.ei my life praiseTheel This for me, an unprofitable 
 m rvanl ! Oh. give me :i truly thankful heart." 
 
 Then the lull tide welled up ;ind stopped utter- 
 ance, lis father and mother the joy of giving 
 
 them that happine88l Could a lite of entire 
 
 devotion repay one tithe of the mercies he had 
 
 leived? lor it was no; tins one alone, hut ;.ll 
 seemed to rise up before him, and amidst all, that 
 .it one, that he was able to he thankful. 
 
 \
 
 30G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 It was some time after he had left the theatre, 
 when a party who had been vainly searching' 
 everywhere in the vicinity of his Honour for tin 
 hero of the day, entered, and among them were 
 his parents, Neville, Hamilton, Frank, Charles 
 Salisbury, and Dr. Wilkinson. More Avere behind, 
 but a degree of respect for his parents kept them 
 from pressing into the room. 
 
 " Where can he be ?" was reiterated in various 
 tones. " Louis, you runagate ;" " Mortimer, you 
 defaulter." " Here's his poem : he's in his bed- 
 room." 
 
 "Then we will wait," said Mr. Mortimer. 
 " But here he comes." 
 
 The noise had aroused him, and he entered the 
 room directly, with a most happy expression and 
 moistened eyes that told of much. There was 
 nothing heard for some time but congratulations 
 and praises. He shook hands with all by turns, 
 receiving their congratulations in silence, for he 
 could not speak. His father looked so proudly on 
 him, his mother was almost as tearfully happy as 
 himself, and Dr. Wilkinson's excitement was 
 nearly equal to Hamilton's. 
 
 " I always thought you a bit of a poet, Louis," 
 said Charles Salisbury. "But it seems wonderful 
 to me how you can ' spin such a yarn/ as Fred 
 would say, in verse. However, I think I could 
 almost try, to have the ladies as mad after me as 
 they all are about you." 
 
 Louis smiled.
 
 DA- II WOOD PllIOKV. 
 
 " But the reading, Louis/' said Hamilton : " it 
 was, after all, a masterpiece." 
 
 " It was," said Dr. Wilkinson. "I felt proud 
 to own you." 
 
 •■ You must not say any more," said Louis; 
 " my head will be turned. I wish I had some 
 wine to offer you ; but I never take it myself, and 
 I have none at present." 
 
 " Never mind that, my boy," said his father ; 
 " I shall do the honours to-d;iy : you arc to be i 
 guest." 
 
 They all sallied forth to the " Mitre," where 
 dinner was ordered, and there were more old 
 friends — Nevinson, and Miss and Miss Fanny 
 Salisbury, with an aunt who had chaperoned 
 them; and there were more compliments to be 
 paid, and finally they sat down to dinner; and 
 though Louis was very silent, his friends madi 
 amends for his taciturnity, and obliged him to 
 return thanks for having his health drunk before 
 they retired. Louis was obliired to return to I 
 college, hut not before a very pleasant, though, 
 other noisier evening than he could havi 
 liked, had passed. The Salisburys departed for 
 he lef; . and as he bid them good- 
 bye, i • aple of rosebuds, with 
 which she had h< en playing. 
 
 As L niis picked them up, Charles Baid, — 
 
 m, Louis; she meant them in honour 
 , but was too shy to give them. You will 
 him have them, Fanny V*
 
 308 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 "Certainly, if Mr. Mortimer likes them," 
 replied Fanny, with a merry laugh ; " but if he 
 takes my advice, he will throw them in the gutter. 
 Faded rosebuds are not for orators, are they 
 Mr. Mortimer?" 
 
 Louis laughed, but he did not throw them away 
 till he reached his rooms, where they both dis- 
 appeared somewhere, and were afterwards very 
 mysteriously found in his trowser-pockets when 
 he arrived at the Salisburys (where he spent two 
 or three days before he returned to Dashwood), 
 whence he soon transferred them to a box, in 
 remembrance of the great day of the Newdigate. 
 Mr. Mortimer accompanied Louis to the college, 
 and left him at the gates. Long he remained in 
 silent meditation ; his slumbers that night were as 
 lis;ht as an infant's. 
 
 We know how softening an influence sorrow 
 has upon the heart ; and we know, also, that 
 prosperity generally tends to render it more care- 
 less, and, unless upheld by the unfailing grace of 
 the Blessed Spirit, less spiritually minded. Yet 
 there are some kinds of prosperity, some honours, 
 which exercise the same influence as trial. They 
 seem too much to bear, — too much for our desert, 
 — too great a boon for one so ungrateful — when 
 the whole being seems pressed down under that 
 goodness which encorapasscth it. It is not that 
 all our mercies are not more than we deserve ; our 
 daily mercies need call forth a weight of grati- 
 tude ; but because they are daily, we seldom notice
 
 DASHWOOD P&IOBY. •')<)!) 
 
 them, especially, unless the Lord reminds us, as 
 Jacob of old, to build an altar of praise for those 
 blessings we have forgotten. Louis' prosperity 
 was of the Boftening kind, and he was not unsea- 
 sonably exalted thereby. 
 
 . - -
 
 310 DASIIWOOL* PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 " They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in 
 great waters ; these see the works of the Lord, and His wonders 
 in the deep. O that men would praise the Lord/cw His good- 
 ness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" — 
 Ps. cvii. 23, 24, 31. 
 
 Hail, holy Sabbath ! They who love thee, seem 
 to think thy skies should ever be bright and 
 unclouded. 
 
 Brightly dawned one Sabbath morning in July, 
 18 — , and far as the eye could reach on the broad 
 circumference of the horizon, unbroken by any 
 object, save the fleecy clouds and the hulls of a 
 few distant vessels, the brightness of the coming- 
 sun shed his fair rays, chasing stars and twilight, 
 and gradually displayed his splendour to the eyes 
 of the thoughtful midshipmen who paced the deck 
 of the Hippolyta, keeping their morning watch. 
 One of them was a line tall fellow, with head 
 as erect as if his six feet of length had never 
 bent to five when he stowed himself away in the 
 middy's berth. An incipient pair of whiskers 
 and a slight moustache told of coming manhood, 
 while the almost infantile sweetness of his beau- 
 tiful mouth and the clear expression of his blue 
 eyes betokened a youthfulness again contradicted
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 by his broad shoulders and manly voice. He was 
 not always so thoughtful; his roaring hearty voice 
 was generally one of the foremost in mirth and 
 merriment ; but the calmness of that morning 
 
 imed to have spell-bound him j his lips were 
 firmly closed, and his earnest gaze was fixed on a 
 distant cloud with an intensity that seemed to 
 allow of no other thought. The cloud did not 
 move; others swept past gloriously, grandly; I 
 sun laid his course and lighted the dark line ii. - 
 :i white streak. The middy's companion at length 
 rallied him on his silence; but he did not hear, 
 and Btraining bis eyes more eagerly for a few 
 seconds, he suddenly lifted his blue cap, and waved 
 it above his head. 
 
 " Old England for ever ! " he exclaimed. 
 
 "Land ! — where ?" asked his companion. 
 
 "I don't see anything, Salisbury." 
 
 Salisbury waved his cap in the direction of the 
 line nil directed his glass to the point. 
 
 • S in ! '"' he said; and letting the 
 
 fall to the length of the Leathern strap to 
 
 which it was attached, tossed his can in the air 
 
 with a loud "Hurrah!" just as a voice from 
 
 ■r part of the ship proclaimed the welcome 
 
 bavins bi >me little delay in 
 
 ■ the man at. the masthead al the morn- 
 
 :. our midshipman had the ha] - of 
 
 og their n r nival first. ' »'i ! how 
 
 wildly the hearts whether y r old, that 
 
 morni. arly
 
 312 DASHW00I) PUIOKY. 
 
 over, — the fatherland was in sight, — and a pros- 
 perous wind -was bearing the gallant frigate towards 
 its shores. We trust there were not a few who 
 felt that a mightier power than man's skill had 
 kept them safe. The nearness of eternity is too 
 often brought immediately before the sailor to be 
 wholly unnoticed. 
 
 As the morning wore on, the coast became more 
 visible, and thev could see the divisions of many 
 white cliffs, and with glasses discover the tall 
 landmarks the lighthouses, and here and there a 
 tower either of castle or church. At the usual 
 hour all hands were summoned to prayers ; — and 
 surely, if ever an attentive congregation kneeled 
 on that deck, or listened to the words of the 
 chaplain, it was on that day, when fluctuating 
 hope and fear made the heart feel there was no 
 help but in the Lord. The clergyman took 
 his text from the hundred and seventh Psalm, 
 from the twenty-third to the end of the thirty-first 
 verse ; and while reminding his hearers of the 
 many perils from which the Lord had delivered 
 them, he called on them to " praise the Lord for 
 His goodness." " When the stormy wind arose, 
 and the wonders of the Lord in the deep made all 
 hearts to melt because of trouble, how many of 
 you, my friends, vowed unto the Lord in that 
 trouble. Who," continued he, solemnly, — " who 
 has remembered those vows? Who has paid them 
 to the tender Guardian who ' never slumbered nor 
 slept ? ' Better that thou shouldest not vow, than.
 
 DA8HW00D PBIOKY. 313 
 
 that thou shouldest vow and not pay. I call upon 
 all to magnify the Lord with me. Let us exalt 
 His name together. We called upon Ilini, and 
 He heard us and delivered us from all our fears. 
 'Oh that men would praise the Lord for His 
 fondness ! ' " 
 
 But he did not here conclude. "How were 
 they to praise the Lord? Not only with the lips, 
 hut in the life. By a life entirely devoted to His 
 service. Let them declare among men His praise. 
 i iel the hie lie spared and the giftslle has bestowed 
 he all used to I lis glory. Let the talents be pin 
 on! to interest, that at His coming He may receive 
 1 lis own with usury." 
 
 The clergyman dwelt much on this part of his 
 lecture, particularly addressing himself to the 
 young oiliccrs; and Frederick Salisbury sat with 
 grave brow and parted lips, thinking how many 
 things he had neglected. The service was over, 
 and now they neared the coast; the few hours 
 had brought them in immediate sight, and they 
 passed <>u their way so close, that as the afternoon 
 wore on they could see the people passing along 
 t<> church ; and the midshipmen were cither iii 
 high spirits or silent with great excitement, for 
 each young heart had flown to its own borne, ami 
 fancied the Sunday occupations of each dear one; 
 
 and they dared not whisper the shade of appiv- 
 
 hension that glided over the mind lest one dear 
 one should be missing. 
 
 The tedious time slipped by, and at length the
 
 314 DASHWOOD PRIOKY. 
 
 Hippolyta anchored at Sheerness ; and having 
 obtained leave of absence, Salisbury was not long 
 in finding a passage in one of the packets from 
 thence to London ; and after a due transit through 
 the Custom House, he found himself steaming up 
 the Thames at the rate of ten miles an hour, clad 
 in white trowsers and a rough pilot-coat, and 
 retaining no mark of his attachment to Her 
 Majesty's service, save the little blue undress cap, 
 which was perched on his head rather on one 
 side, allowing the light curly hair to display itself 
 in the most becoming manner; and too happy and 
 restless to sit still, he walked rapidly up and down 
 the deck, with his hands shoved into the loose 
 pockets in the front of his coat, humming and 
 smiling most radiantly, with a word for every one 
 in his way, — now stopping to amuse a cross child, 
 — now picking up a fallen basket or handkerchief 
 of some lady passenger, — anon descanting on the 
 weather with the men, or " blowing up" steam- 
 boats to the gentlemen. But wherever his frank 
 handsome face turned, it won sympathy, and 
 seemed to shed a sunnv beam. At last he at- 
 tached himself to a couple of ladies, a mamma 
 and daughter, to whom he had introduced himself 
 by proffering a newspaper he had bought at the 
 landing-place; and furthermore, by the dexterous 
 manner in which he extricated a favourite dog 
 from a perilous situation; and before long he had 
 prevailed upon them to accept his escort for a 
 turn up and down.
 
 DASHW00D PBIOB.Y. 
 
 "I think I need not ask if you have siste 
 said the mamma, smiling. 
 
 * Lots of them," said Salisbury, gleefully. 
 " It's hard work, ma'am, for a poor sailor to be 
 banished for four years with no ladies but the 
 Chinese houris." 
 
 '• You are a large family, then?" 
 
 " Twelve of us," replied the gentleman. 
 
 " Does your mother expect you home ? " 
 
 A slight shade passed over his face as he 
 answ< red. 
 
 " I sent them a line two days ago, but there's 
 no one to meet me here. I am afraid it missed 
 its moorings." 
 
 • You expected some one to meet you, then?" 
 
 " To be sure. Never mind, though; they'll be 
 all the more surprised. Look out!" he cried, 
 cat bold of a man who, disturbed by the 
 
 motion of the vessel, jolted rather roughly against 
 his charge : " Mind the ladies ! " 
 
 " i'- : pardon," said the man. " Portraits 
 taken, sir? Portraits taken, ma'am. One shil- 
 ling: only : . black profile, sir." 
 
 " I think 1 will, though: mother or little Fan 
 will iplicd. 
 
 '• i ! the lady. " Si we sit 
 
 awe can -." 
 
 angallanl thi to let you, 
 
 my fai Baid Salisbury ; 
 
 " it w ill (1 . you are t ired." 
 
 m \ ry tired," said the young
 
 316 DASHWOOD PBIOB.Y. 
 
 lady, laughing : " I have only been beguiled into 
 walking a little." 
 
 Salisbury raised his cap, and immediately found 
 a seat with a back to it for the elder lady, and a 
 less convenient one for the younger and himself; 
 and amid much merriment the profile was taken 
 It was pronounced very like by the younger lady, 
 and by the elder not handsome enough. Salisbury 
 himself was quite satisfied, and decided that his 
 relations ought to be so too; for it was handsome 
 enough for him. 
 
 " Here's your shilling ; though I think you 
 might have made a fellow as handsome as he 
 ought to be, while you were about it." 
 
 " You could not expect black paper and scissors 
 to express your eyes and complexion, sir," said the 
 man ; " that's all it wants." 
 
 " Come, that's handsome. I am very like a 
 black swan, as we used to say at school," remarked 
 Salisbury almost to himself, as he looked more 
 steadily at the portrait, and a deeper smile shone 
 out of eyes and mouth, when he caught in it the 
 resemblance to his eldest sister. 
 
 It was mid-day when they reached London, and 
 after seeing his new friends safely to a hackney 
 coach, he procured another for himself, and set 
 off for the Paddington station, where the then 
 half-finished railway to Bristol commenced, and 
 reached it just in time to take his place by the 
 next train. We will not dwell upon the incidents 
 of the next few hours ; how wonderfully, as if by
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 317 
 
 his frank simplicity charmed the passengers, 
 and drew the children to him as though they 
 knew instinctively that he had some little ones 
 waiting at home for him; how, in his impatieo 
 of the tardiness even of steam, when they neared 
 Fairing Ion, he pushed his feet forward as if his 
 impotent ( m rtions could quicken the moving 
 Oh, sailor! perhaps thoughts of the guar- 
 dian care that reserved thee and thine for that 
 happy meeting, stole over thee when in the dusky 
 shade of the coming twilight thou nearedst thy 
 beloved home. 
 
 The coachman sel him down at the turn of the 
 
 ir which the house stood, and then, 
 
 though the high wall with its well-known gate was 
 
 near, something deterred him from hurrying 
 
 up; a kind of dread stole over him; "He had 
 
 not heard for so long — why had no one met him?" 
 
 He stood still irresolutely, looking at the dark 
 
 waving branches, till aroused by the whistling of 
 
 a passer-by, a labouring man. 
 
 \ good evening to you, sir." 
 
 " \lio\, my man," said Salisbury, rousing him- 
 
 I from his trance. "Lend a hand here with 
 this chesi up to j on gate." 
 
 "To Mr. Salisbury's?" asked the man, turning 
 and Beizing a handle of the large chest. " He 
 be heavy, hain't he? He musl hold a mort of 
 things. Xbu be come from foreign parts, rii 
 
 \y, a long way — from China. Do you know- 
 how Mr. and Mrs. Salisbury are?"
 
 318 BASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Nay, I knows nought about '"em, sir ; 'cept 
 as they lives at yon house." 
 
 Poor Salisbury's heart sank more than when 
 he forced his lips to put the question. He wished 
 the man " good night/' after bestowing a shilling 
 on him, and stood looking doubtfully in at the gate. 
 He could see the drawing-room windows where 
 he stood, and the nursery above. The latter were 
 open, and the sound of some little voices issued 
 thence. Presently the sound of a piano, and a 
 well-known song below, broken off in the middle 
 by a hearty laugh, in which many voices joined, 
 reached him. Then his mother's tones, and though 
 he heard no words, he could hold out no longer. 
 Pulling the bell with all his might, he shouted 
 "Ahoy, there! ladies, ahoy!" with that tre- 
 mendous stentorian effect only belonging to the 
 sailor, but which when once heard can never be 
 forgotten, and when once sent forth with " a will," 
 has a peculiar way of making itself heard. There 
 was a pause. 
 
 " A-h-ov, ladies ! " 
 
 Then a scream of " Fred ! Fred ! " and boys 
 and girls all rushed out of the low window, and 
 before the servant had arrived, the gate was flung 
 wide open, and Salisbury was amongst them — not 
 one was missing, all — all had been spared to wel- 
 come him back : the dearest mother in the world — 
 the kind, fond father — the proud, loving sisters — 
 and the hearty brothers in turn presenting them- 
 selves ; and little Kate, and the little brother, now
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOEY. 319 
 
 no longer a baby, were brought down half-dressed 
 for their share of the embraces. 
 
 " How lie's grown, mamma. What a brown 
 face lie's got now/' cried Ethelrcd. 
 
 •• And, mamma, here are the whiskers too at 
 last, but not quite so bushy as you feared ; and 
 he really looks a man."' 
 
 •• 15 at I really thought Fred would come back 
 with his blue coat on, mamma; and his sword, 
 mamma, mamma," persisted Marianne a great 
 many times. 
 
 ' I Jut where's little Fan? and I thought John 
 
 ^ at home, poor fellow," said Salisbury, when 
 after the general embraces he began to distinguish 
 who was away. 
 
 " Thev are out," said Edith. " Your old school- 
 fellow Louis Mortimer is spending a day or two 
 with us, and they are all gone out together in the 
 nowhere." 
 
 "Did not you get my letter?" 
 
 : \\ i had no idea you were coming." 
 trangc. How's John, now ? " 
 
 •• He La quite well, and so kind and thoughtful. 
 I! you 'will love him more than i\ 
 Here .1 Edith, as Fanny rushed in 
 
 •mil threw herself into her brother's arms, having 
 been informed on her entrance by the eager ser- 
 vant that Mr. Fred was come. John and Loui 
 followed. 
 
 "How curious thai I should be here on your 
 in;." ,<1 Louis, when 'In- first recognition
 
 320 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 was over; " I am going early to-morrow to Dash- 
 wood. Had you been a day later, I should not 
 have seen you." 
 
 " Here is your tea, my darling boy," said his 
 joyful mother, as the quick, active servant placed 
 a lamp on the table, and set chairs round, lin- 
 gering in this arrangement, in order to see as 
 much as possible of Mr. Fred ; and then Fred 
 seated himself near his mother, and ate and talked 
 with equal rapidity. But who shall describe the 
 delight with which the mutual recitals were made 
 -and received — what a warm reception w r as given 
 to the black profile and the history of its produc- 
 tion, and how Mrs. Salisbury laid claim to it, in 
 spite of the vociferous reminders from her 
 daughters that she had a much better one in 
 water-colours. Fred had not long finished his 
 tea when he rushed into the kitchen, with a long 
 train after him, to pay his respects to the servants 
 he knew; and then calling on his brothers to 
 "bear a hand," insisted upon having his huge 
 chest carried into the drawing-room. 
 
 " What have Ave here ?" said his father. 
 
 " Heave oh!" was the reply, as the chest landed 
 safely on the floor, and the owner searched for his 
 key. 
 
 His mother came up to him and vainly endea- 
 voured to persuade him to postpone the unpacking 
 till to-morrow, assuring him he was too tired. 
 
 " Tired ! it takes more to tire me, mv blessed 
 old mother," giving his mother a huge embrace
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOKY. 12 I 
 
 boss; and then fetching an armchair 
 her near the scene of action. None of the 
 young people being at all loath to see the inside 
 of the client again; the rummaging commenced in 
 earnest; and soon the floor was strewed with its 
 every-day contents, and the tables with the rarities 
 and to\N oil which the vounir man had laid out all 
 spare money. There was a set of carved 
 chessmen for his father, a crape shawl for his 
 mother; some china cups and fans and a couple of 
 ivory card-cases for his sisters, shells he had picked 
 up himself, and some Indian treasures which he 
 had procured as they touched at the great Oriental 
 continent on their wav home: and what most 
 warmed his parents' hearts was the knowledge 
 that these gifts were the product of self-denial 
 and constant thoughtfulncss ; for there had been 
 no overdrawing his account, no exceeding the 
 allowance made to him; and now he was repaid 
 by the -miles and expressions of gratitude, the 
 raptures and admiration, as each new article was 
 displayed. 
 
 •• And now, mother," said he at last, "here is 
 an Indian muslin dress and lining for you/' 
 
 I >h, how beautiful !" exclaimed the sisters in 
 a breath. 
 
 t me, my dear hoy? 1 can't wear white 
 
 muslin/' said his mother, as she spread the delicate 
 
 fabric on lirr knee. "An old woman like niysrlt 
 
 wearing such a dress; — really it is very beautiful ! 
 I must make it over to one of the girls."
 
 322 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " You look as young as any of them." 
 
 "There, girls, do you hear that?" said Mr. 
 Salisbury. 
 
 " Well, do what you like with it, mother," said 
 her son. "I won't make any of the beauties 
 jealous." 
 
 "Edith, mamma ; Edith," said Fanny, eagerly : 
 " Edith will want a handsome dress soon." 
 
 "What do you say, Miss Salisbury?" said her 
 father. "Will it do?" 
 
 Edith laughed and coloured, and her brother, 
 who was just bringing a few shells to her, stopped 
 before her, and looked very steadily at her. 
 
 " Eh ?" said he at last. " What's in the wind, 
 Swan's Neck?" 
 
 Edith laughed and got behind her father, and 
 Fanny, throwing her arms round his waist and 
 turning her merry face up to him, whispered, — 
 
 "The Swan's Neck has found some one to play 
 Earl Godwin to her, Fred." 
 
 "Well done, Swan's Neck!" exclaimed Fred, 
 in an ecstasy, and in spite of Fanny's upheld 
 finger he rushed after Edith, and gave her a 
 vehement kiss, declaring that Earl Godwin was a 
 man of taste, and keeping his arm tightly round 
 her till she consented to whisper the name of her 
 intended, which she did not do till he had pro- 
 mised, in a whisper, that he would be quiet about 
 it for the rest of the evening ; and her eye glanced 
 shyly in the direction of Louis, who was standing 
 at a little distance looking on with an expression
 
 DASHWOOD I'KIOUY. 32 
 
 
 of great interest. However, tliis piece of infor- 
 mation decided the fate of a pair of silver brace- 
 I . . and Fred begged his mother forthwith to 
 be bow the dress upon his eldest sister, who, 
 Fannv informed Louis, would now assuredly be 
 favourite till another Avas married; and she 
 presently hinted the same, with a saucy shake ot 
 her curls, to her dear Fred. He only stopped her 
 mouth with a kiss, and then brought forward the 
 article of any great importance in their eyes, 
 
 ich consisted of the hull of a ship, with masts, 
 pulleys, and blocks, ready to be put up; the latter 
 having been cut out of pieces of bone, which, he 
 told them, lie had saved from dinner. 
 
 ""When that's done that's for vou, little Fan, 
 for your museum, my little mother, Fan. Sh 
 not grown so much as any of them, mother ; 
 she'll always be little Fan." 
 
 But it was growing very late, and Mr. Salisbury 
 was obliged to break up the party, and ring for 
 the servants to prayers. Fred thoughtfully seated 
 himself near his father, and drank in every tone 
 of his loved voice. It seemed such a dream to be 
 
 re again ; and when thanks w , returned I 
 
 iir happy meeting, there was a pans-, and all 
 
 v. the father iclt it almost too mneh for llttl 
 
 1 parted for the night, and the de 
 blessing invoked on hi.-- head by his parents t 
 
 id how fully they had been satisfied with hi 
 
 nluei while ab i ad how dearly they p 
 
 turning of his affectionate rac .
 
 324 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 to his home ; and from how many evils had the 
 remembrance of that home been the instrument 
 of keeping him. 
 
 The many " good nights " were at last con- 
 cluded, and Fred had just closed his door, when a 
 little tap induced him to re-open it, and Fanny 
 entered. 
 
 " I could not go to bed without another kiss, 
 Fred," she said. 
 
 " Bless you ; why you are quite in a tremble." 
 
 She threw her arms round him, and he stooped 
 down and looked full into her now pale earnest 
 face. 
 
 " Fred, dear Fred," she said, " I am so afraid 
 that you should at all forget God's goodness. Will 
 you try to think of it, my own dearest brother ? 
 I have been thinking about those verses, ' I sought 
 the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me 
 from all my fears. Oh, magnify the Lord with 
 me, and let us exalt his name together V I don't 
 think you have forgotten though," she added, 
 tenderly, stroking his hair from his forehead with 
 both hands, and looking still more deeply into his 
 grave eyes. " Do you remember the text little 
 Marianne found in my text-book the morning 
 you were going away, ' The beloved of the Lord 
 shall dwell in safety by Him, and the Lord shall 
 cover him all the day long?' You will not be 
 angry with me, I know, because we all want 
 reminding sometimes." 
 
 Fred did not speak, but pressed two or three
 
 DASIIWOOD PRIOKY. 3'25 
 
 times a long kiss on her forehead, and then with 
 another quiet " Bless you/ 7 released her. 
 
 Louis Mortimer returned to Dashwood the 
 next morning, after spending two very pleasant 
 days with his friends. The next Sunday thanks- 
 givings were returned at Church for the 
 
 safe return of a member of the congregation from 
 a long voyage; and though the sailor was soon 
 obliged to return to his ship, he was able to obtain 
 leave of absence not long after, to attend the nup- 
 tials of his eldest sister, who, arrayed in the India 
 muslin, was united in their parish church to the 
 happy Earl Godwin before alluded to.
 
 326 DASHWOOD PBIOBY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 " And be called his ten servants, and delivered unto them ten 
 pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come." — Luke xix. 13. 
 " The night cometh, when no man can work." — John ix. 4. 
 
 Time passed. One after another Louis' college 
 friends took their degrees either with or without 
 honours, and entered into life more or less pre- 
 pared as their endeavours had tended towards 
 their preparation. 
 
 The precious time was gone never to be re- 
 called ; the large rich opportunities for improve- 
 ment and culture of the mind had vanished for 
 ever ; and in after-years, in many cases, to be 
 regretted in vain, for they could never be replaced. 
 It is in youth we generally fix our earthly career 
 each one for himself. Surely it is a momentous 
 thought that so much lies in our own power ; and 
 though we may feel that the child of God will 
 find work in any and every station, yet who shall 
 hold that man guiltless who has not striven to 
 raise himself as far as the talents given him 
 allowed? How many a one, newly awakened in 
 after-life to a sense of his duties to God aud man, 
 has mourned in vain wasted youth and opportu- 
 nities for enlargement of his powers of usefulness 
 never to return, but which, rightly improved,
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 827 
 
 would have opened to him a wide field for glori- 
 fying Him who called him into the light ot His 
 Gospel. Whether Ave have one talent or five, we 
 called upon to double them ; and God is not 
 a hard master; whatever we are commanded, we 
 may be sure we have power to perform. Work, 
 then, in the davtime of youth, — work in His 
 strength. " Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, 
 do it with all thv might." 
 
 re took a double first, and retired, soon 
 aft « ing his degree, to Bath, where he was 
 
 y successful in obtaining pupils. lie did not 
 take orders for some years after; when the gra- 
 dual working of that small seed — at what time 
 planted we cannot say, but it would seem 
 cither in the time of his disgrace at school, or in 
 his subsequent trouble — had arrived at mature 
 di relopment, and he felt he could answer "I 
 trust so " to the solemn query in the ordination 
 vice. Shortly after taking his degree, he 
 ined a fellowship attached to his college, and 
 the last heard of him was, that he was usefully 
 employed in an extensive parish, 
 earnest in everything that could bv any means 
 nd the knowledge of the love of Christ, de- 
 y and improved talent to his 
 . and de« ming all bul dr< 
 I he mighl win Christ, and be found in linn. 
 
 as a brilliant, faacinatii 
 or; Lcherj but aJl members have not 
 
 the and the clergyman who \i^iis his
 
 328 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 flock with the love of Christ in his own heart, 
 bearing quietly and individually the message of 
 salvation to each, and carefully stemming every 
 inroad of the enemy in the hearts of his charge, 
 speaking by a life of holiness constantly to them, 
 is surely no less useful than he who by the power 
 of his eloquence and his gift in exhortation can 
 till his church till there is hardly standing-room. 
 At any rate, we generally see that it is the cler- 
 gyman's life at which his flock looks ; — it is the 
 holiness of his life that speaks the most loudly 
 to those who " seek for knowledge at his lips/' 
 and he whose life and conversation most nearly 
 resemble his great Master's ; — he it is who will be 
 considered the " messenger of the Lord of Hosts." 
 " By their fruits ye shall know them." 
 
 Frank took a first class in mathematics, and 
 second in classics. He was intended for the 
 ministry of the Church ; but having a proper 
 dread of taking upon him so solemn an office 
 lightly, he persuaded his father to change his 
 destination, and got a situation of some kind in 
 the House of Lords. And now Ave" come to our 
 hero, whose name, in spite of his tutor's earnest 
 endeavours and his own steady conduct, only 
 came out in the third-class list, — whether owing 
 to accident, or nervousness, or to the desultory 
 nature of his own arrangement of his studies, or 
 to want of sufficient ability, or all together, we do 
 not pretend so say. Some said he had not appli- 
 cation enough, and that if Hamilton had not made
 
 DASHWOOD PEIORY. 3!29 
 
 him work, he would not have done even as much 
 \ as accomplished. Certain it was he was not 
 idle, and earnestly strove to do his dutv : but 
 perhaps his efforts flagged just where they would 
 have been of such signal service to him in his 
 munition; and though posseting a consider- 
 able amount of scholarship, he was too deficient 
 in critical accuracy and the hundred minutiae. SO 
 •ntial to a first-class man, and which were 
 attained by many hi> interiors in mind, though 
 not in perseverance. Hamilton went up to 
 London about the time that Louis returned home 
 strengthened in mind, and untainted by the fol- 
 lies with which he was in a measure surrounded. 
 And what had preserved him ? We need not say, 
 so far in our history. It was that " asbestos 
 robe*' — to use the words of a sweet writer of our 
 day- — of vital union with our living Head, — that 
 constant and daily communion with Him who 
 walketh through the fires with His faithful ser- 
 vants. The solemn important day so long looked 
 forward to had passed ; Louis' day-dream was 
 fulfilled ; and it was with a full heart that he 
 
 left the Priory, the Sunday after his ordination 
 
 at Norwich, to preach his first sermon in the 
 church in which lie had been dedicated to Cod, — 
 which his infanl step- had first t rodden,- -amidst 
 
 the well-known laces and warm hearts all willing 
 
 to think favourably of what Bhould proceed from 
 
 his lips. The church was very full, for some 
 strangers from a neighbouring village belonging
 
 330 dasiiwood priory. 
 
 to Mr. Mortimer were there to hear the young 
 Squire's first sermon; and there was the rector's 
 own pew full, — his happy mother, eager Mary, 
 with her flushed face aud spai'kling eyes turned 
 often to the reading-desk and the communion- 
 table, where her brother was first to appear. 
 Reginald, now a cavalry officer, and Neville, from 
 Cambridge, where he was studying physic by his 
 own wish, were there, and his devoted old grand- 
 mother, who had undertaken the long journey to 
 be present at her darling's first sermon. Lady 
 Vernon sat comfortably cushioned in a roomy 
 corner of the pew, listening to his gentle voice 
 with that calm earnest attention which seemed 
 to belong only to one near the end of life's long 
 journey. "Was it true, indeed! Had his God 
 been so gracious to him that he should have the 
 desire of his heart ! Oh, God ! my God, how 
 bountiful thou art ! Thou hast led me hitherto. 
 Thine is the glory," were his grateful breathings, 
 as he slowly ascended the pulpit stairs ; but when 
 he met the many well-known faces, all bearing 
 the same earnest and gratified expression, it 
 almost overcame him ; he needed the few minutes' 
 communion with his God. He chose for his 
 prayer the collect for the first Sunday after the 
 Epiphany, and his text was from the first Epistle 
 to the Corinthians, third chapter, eleventh, twelfth, 
 and thirteenth verses. The sermon was very 
 earnest and faithful, delivered very quietly, and 
 rather timidly. He concluded it, at length, in
 
 P. 3S1- 
 
 Louis and his Father leaving Church.
 
 VOOD PllIOKY. 331 
 
 the words of the apostle, "Finally, brethren, pray 
 for as." Ladv Vernon folded her hands: her 
 were dimmed, as she breathed an earnest 
 tition for him, and the congregation dispersed 
 to talk quietly in their homes of the beautiful 
 i " Mr. Louis had made," and to wonder 
 '. a young man should have such a gift." 
 Louis and his father left the church almost mi- 
 me I he rest of their party. As Louis 
 the vestry, an aired man, who was standing 
 near, leaning with both hands on a stick, appa- 
 tly waiting for him, respectfully bowed; and 
 on Louis extending his hand, with his customary 
 etness and respect, to the hoary head, he seized 
 it, and looking earnestly in the young face with 
 ill of tears, said, — 
 " ' The Lord bless thee, and keep thee : the 
 Lord make His face to shine upon thee/ Sir, I 
 . you a babe at that font, I've watched you all 
 a growing up, audi bless God for it. AVill you 
 an old man's liberty ?" 
 ou are only too kind, Robins," replied Louis ; 
 " I am grateful for your affection." 
 
 ir, as long as it pleases the Almighty to 
 
 . may lie forbid that I Bhould sin in 
 
 sing to pray for you, thai He may you 
 
 m all snares. Oh, sir, keep clo the Bible, 
 
 Mu have done to-day . but th of 
 
 ir : in p you 
 
 from 1 1 
 
 \y. Robins," rejoined M r. M . " he
 
 332 
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 must beware lest any one spoil him through philo- 
 sophy and vain deceit. God grant it." 
 
 The old man looked still intently in Louis' face, 
 and added, with affectionate solemnity, — 
 
 " Concerning the works of men, by the word of 
 Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the 
 destroyer." 
 
 He released Louis' hand with another ferveut 
 blessing, and slowly followed the father and son 
 from the church. Louis watched his cautious 
 exit from the church-door, when unfastening the 
 park-gate. 
 
 " His grandson is not with him, father ; he can 
 hardly get on." 
 
 He retraced his steps immediately, and insisted 
 upon supporting the old man's tottering steps to 
 the end of the church-yard, where they found the 
 missing grandson, to whose care he consigned him, 
 and rejoined his father.
 
 PA -II WOOD PRIORY. 333 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 " Now we see through a glass darkly." — 1 Cor. xiii. 12. 
 •• What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter." — 
 John xiii. 7. 
 
 Some writer beautifully remarks, that "as in a 
 long journey, each turn of the road presents the 
 traveller with a fresh view, so in the Christian's 
 
 i xperiences are ever opening before him ; 
 vet he is not the less safe. The same hand leads 
 him, the same wisdom guides him." 
 
 Some of these experiences arc very painful, and 
 perhaps none more so than those which wake us 
 
 hi a dream of child-like security and peace to 
 a knowledge of differences in doctrine, of mis- 
 onderstanding, and bitterness of feeling among 
 those uh'>, in truth, have their feet equally linn 
 on the Rock of A^cs, and yet frown because each 
 cannot direct his brother's eyes to the exact point 
 of the horizon on which he is gazing. Alas! 
 Cli. will yon not remember that that slant- 
 
 in- gleam of sunlight that makes the ripple -Inter 
 before your eyes, exhibits, in rainbow tints, a 
 in.. re distant object to your differently Bituated 
 
 fellow-creature? Arc we not commanded to 
 
 " think soberly, according as Cod hath given to 
 every man the measure of faith:" "The same
 
 334 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Spirit ministereth severally to every man as He 
 will." Surely we need constantly to recall that 
 deep reminder, " Who is it that hath made thee 
 to differ from another?" 
 
 There are certainly fundamental doctrines on 
 which no true Christian can differ. The doctrine 
 of the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity ; 
 the full, perfect satisfaction of the sacrifice of the 
 blood of Christ, and the impossibility of being 
 saved out of Him ; the entire ruin of man at the 
 fall, and the certainty of a future state of happi- 
 ness or misery. There can be no mistake about 
 these; and of these I do not speak now, but of 
 those abstruse and mysterious difficulties, those 
 divisions and subdivisions of difference, which 
 seem to constitute the whole religion of some 
 people, and with which they not uufrequently 
 distress and perplex the tender mind of a child in 
 Christ, drawing him away from his loving trust 
 in his mighty and tender Saviour, from those 
 sweet hopes and practical duties which should 
 constantly engage his soul, giving him instead a 
 meagre substitute of logical distinctions and subtle 
 definitions. 
 
 Were it not that the Christian knows that " all 
 things shall work together for his sood," he can- 
 not sometimes understand why his simple trust in 
 the love of Christ should be disturbed by these 
 conflicting opinions, why he could not be left in 
 practical ignorance of the schisms and differences 
 in the Church of Christ. And this distraction
 
 DASHWOOD PEIORY. 
 
 sometimes comes upon him when his conscience 
 acquits him of having led himself into tempta- 
 tion ; and, tossed about with doubts, he exclaims, 
 " Where is my Maker, who used to give me songs 
 in the night?" "Why is this come upon me? 
 mv ems no longer enlarged under mv feet ; 
 
 it is hedged up with thorns. Why cannot I go 
 nit - the house of my God, and listen to B 
 pr ached word, without involuntarily cavilling 
 
 cpresaion, without the sinful eager- 
 ness to detect the shade of a wrong doctrin 
 II I we need not fear, — the true disciple of Christ 
 II not be left in darkness. He may not see the 
 hfulnesa that crept upon him; he knew not the 
 tendency that threatened to make him lukewarm 
 in the service of God. He would not have known, 
 perhaps, if he had not experienced the distress of 
 controversy in his own mind, how he would act 
 arda others; but God knew ail; and now he 
 will more carefully remember how the Apos 
 .1 became all things to all men, if bv any 
 .t save some. Perhaps he will 
 ne\ the d of his dark seasons, vet by- 
 
 '-by th shall be removed that is east 
 
 r all people, and he will sec that that very d. 
 and narrow pathway between the hedges of thoi 
 lie- only I lor him. 
 
 had Lorn | it in I 
 hwuod — y< ' quiet ha 
 
 . mini. hade which will 
 
 of pr
 
 33G DASHWOOB PRIORY. 
 
 perity, a fear of coming evil, when the sudden 
 death of Lady Vernon, who was paying a second 
 visit to Dashwood, cast a gloom over all. Louis 
 was her favourite grandchild, and his affectionate 
 heart had always warmly returned her love. We 
 are apt to think in cases indifferent to ourselves, 
 that the death of an aged person, coming in the 
 course of nature, is a slight trial; but to those 
 concerned who can express the strange blank, the 
 wondering remembrance that the loved one who 
 has filled his or her place from our earliest re- 
 collections, shall fill it no more ? 
 
 The shock of the sudden loss, united with his 
 great sorrow and the extreme quietude of his life, 
 after a few weeks told upon Louis' health; and 
 change of scene and more activity of life were 
 prescribed for him. Mrs. Mortimer had been 
 rather anxious for some time previously, that Louis 
 should be more actively engaged; there was not 
 enough for three clergymen in their quiet well- 
 ordered cure, and she had noticed an indolence 
 of mind and manner, which she dreaded, creeping 
 over Louis. He was himself unconscious of it, but 
 there had been in the state of his mind something 
 a little akin to that spirit which says, " I am 
 rich and have need of nothing," because nothing 
 had occurred to remind him of his danger. 
 
 It was about this time the family party were 
 at breakfast one morning, when the post-bag was 
 brought in, and Mr. Mortimer, unlocking it, pro- 
 ceeded to distribute its contents. 

 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 337 
 
 "Miss M< r, three for Miss Mortimer," 
 
 he said, handing her 3 to Mary. "Reginald 
 
 Mortimer, Esq. We must not forget to forward 
 that. Here is one for mamma, and one for Doctor 
 Mortimer. There, Neville, the first letter ad- 
 1 to the doctor — from Cam! nidge, I per- 
 ceive." 
 
 Neville laughed, and opened it. 
 
 " Four for Louis, I declare, and none for me." 
 
 "Nor for nil','' said Freddy. "I declare, it's 
 real shame of Mr. Hamilton not to ai - r my 
 long l( tter." 
 
 I his i^ for you, father," said Louis, returning 
 one of his j "and there, Master Fred; Hamilton 
 only gives me a scrap, and you the lion's share." 
 
 "Oh! what a capital scrihe he is, after all!" 
 exclaimed Fred. "One always gets something 
 for grumbling. If ever I get impatient about 
 looking for a thing and grumble, I am sure to 
 find 
 
 Mr. Mortimer shook his head, 
 i'hat is a dangerous theory, Fred." 
 
 •• Well. I don't think 1 am likely to become a 
 misanthrope yet," answered Fred, with a blush. 
 '• Viu for a dive! What a long epistle ! I must 
 take -.in'' coffee to sustain me the while." 
 
 1 aence by all means," said Neville, "and 
 tin n, perhaps, we shall comprehend our own." 
 
 There was something in Louis' rrespondence 
 that Beemed to excite him a little, lor he looked 
 up once or twice with a heightened colour, hut
 
 338 DASHWOOD PIUOIIY. 
 
 refrained from speaking, as the others were en- 
 gaged. At length, all but Mary having finished, 
 he began. 
 
 " I could not think what Hamilton meant by, 
 I hope you will not go to Trevanniou, but all my 
 letters are on the same subject. One is from 
 Trevannion to ask me to take his parish for six 
 months with Nevinson, who, you know, is his 
 curate, and Nevinson writes so anxiously that I 
 should come. Read them, will you?" 
 
 Louis handed the letters to his father. 
 
 "Trevannion! Where is he? Oh, I remem- 
 ber. Is he riot a little high ? I wonder he should 
 think of you. Hamilton thinks you had better 
 not go, does he?" 
 
 "Yes, he croaks sadly about Trevannion's prin- 
 ciples," said Louis. 
 
 " But his judgment is always so correct," re- 
 marked Mary, laying down her letter. " Don't 
 you think so, Louis?" 
 
 " Generally," replied Louis, smiling. " Only I 
 do not know how Trevannion's principles can affect 
 me, when he is in Italy." 
 
 " Oh ! he is going away, is he ? " said Neville. 
 " That alters the case materially. Is Nevinson a 
 sound man?" 
 
 " How can you ask ? " said Louis. " Besides, 
 surely I am as capable of guiding myself as 
 Nevinson is of guiding me. I see you have as 
 poor an opinion of my firmness as Hamilton." 
 
 " I was not thinking of your danger just then,"
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 339 
 
 replied Neville, " more than my own in a similar 
 case. I am always afraid of going into tempta- 
 tion ; but, of course, if you feel yourself led, then 
 you arc sal 
 
 Mrs. Mortimer asked to sec the letters. 
 
 " Trevamiion is obliged to leave in a fortnight, 
 and has very little time to look out for any one," 
 said Louis, as his mother took one of the letters. 
 
 " Well, Louis."' said his father; "your friends 
 seem both very anxious to have you. I suppose 
 your an mast be speedy." 
 
 " Do you gee any objection, father?" 
 
 '• Not at present," said Mr. Mortimer, "if you 
 ut of the town. Mr. Trevamiion talks 
 of his home being at your service ; we must make 
 some inquiries about its situation, and so on. I 
 can see no other objection j but on the contrary 
 it seems rather desirable, especially as a little 
 harder work will be of service to you." 
 
 '■ \nd, papa, Louis really may do a great deal 
 of good there," said Freddy, " if Mr. Trevanuion's 
 so terribly high church/' 
 
 "True," said Mary; " he might. Do not you 
 think so, papa 
 
 "I hope so," said Mr. Mortimer, gravely. " He 
 must not forgei v, ho gives the increase. An old 
 
 ad of mine lives there, - Mr. Wells; you have 
 
 beavd of him. L shall write a line by to-day^ 
 
 I inquire about the situation of tin- lleetory. and 
 
 . I npp se v. ill write to your friends, if yon 
 [i i you wish to proposition/'
 
 340 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " I should like to go, father, as I must go from 
 home. It would do me good to be with Nevinson, 
 and then, if Mr. Wells is near, that will, I am sure, 
 he an inducement." 
 
 " By the bye, is he in the church, father ? w 
 
 " No," replied Mr. Mortimer ; " but he will be 
 as valuable an adviser out of it, Louis. He is many 
 years older than myself, and I have often profited 
 by his advice in bygone times, though it is many 
 a year since I saw him." 
 
 " I hope he may be a friend for me," said Louis. 
 
 " I wish we could have longer to think about 
 it," said Mrs. Mortimer. " Cannot you write 
 to-morrow, Louis ? " 
 
 " Indeed, dear mother, he wants an immediate 
 answer. He has so short a time to find a substi- 
 tute; you will see he is going abroad with his 
 uncle, who has been a father to him." 
 
 " Well, then, we must trust it will be for the 
 best," said Mrs. Mortimer cheerfully, as she rose 
 from the table. 
 
 The young people followed her example, and 
 stood round the fire talking of the proposed sepa- 
 ration, till a servant came to remove the breakfast 
 things, when Neville seized a book and sat down 
 to read, Mary produced some work, and Louis 
 went off to the Hectory to consult about some 
 parish matter with Mr. Phillips, and likewise to 
 unfold his new plans. He received the warmest 
 sympathy from his old tutor, with some reflections 
 on the benefit his ministry would be to Trevan-
 
 DASHW00D PRIORY. 341 
 
 nion's benighted flock, which went the more to 
 Louis' heart, that encomiums were rare from 
 Mr. Phillips. 
 
 What mortal mind in its own strength could 
 escape scathless the many well-meant but injudi- 
 cious comments which reached Louis' cars from 
 all quarters on the benefit of his ministry? 
 Alas! the warm grateful hearts of the benefited 
 of a beloved pastor, forget too often his mortality ; 
 and none need more the prayers of his congrega- 
 tion than the idolized and successful preacher of 
 a crowded church. It needs great grace and 
 at experience to watch against all self-reliance, 
 and to east daily and hourly the whole glory at 
 the Saviour's feet ; and surely the young, placed 
 in a position in which they are often looked up to 
 for advice, by their superiors in everything but 
 that office, need to hang momentarily upon Him 
 who Lb able to make them to stand.
 
 342 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 " For ye are yet carnal ; for whereas there is among you 
 envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk 
 as men?" — 1 Cor. iii. 3. 
 
 About a fortnight after the arrival of Trevannion's 
 letter, Louis was on his way to his new duties. 
 Trevannion's parish was a thickly-populated dis- 
 trict, on the borders of a large town in shire. 
 
 The church was newly built, and endoAved by 
 Trevannion's father when the present incumbent 
 was but a boy, on condition that the first presenta- 
 tion should be reserved for him. 
 
 As Louis drew near his journey's end, the book 
 that had occupied him intensely for an hour pre- 
 viously was laid aside, and every way-mark care- 
 fully scrutinized. His fellow passengers came in 
 for a share of the scrutiny. Two middle-aged 
 ladies and a little boy occupied the opposite side 
 of the railway-carriage, and on his own side was 
 a benevolent-looking white-haired man, whose 
 gentlemanly contour and apparent absorption in 
 his pamphlet had, at first, rather more interest for 
 our hero than the more ordinary trio opposite. 
 He had however, made but a slight mental spe-
 
 DASH WOOD PRIOKV. 
 
 culation on the probable characters and destini 
 of bis companions, when his attention was sud- 
 denly directed to the ladies' corner by the mention 
 of Novinson's name. 
 
 • Will Mr. Xevinson take all the duty now :'' 
 asked one lady. 
 
 " I really don't know. If he has strength, I 
 suppose he will ; but it is a heavy duty for one," 
 replied the other. 
 
 " You have never been in his church?" asked 
 the first speaker. 
 
 ' ar, no," replied the other : " I would far 
 rather go to a dissenting chapel than enter one of 
 those Poseyite places." 
 
 "Well, really," rejoined her friend, "I see 
 harm in going to morning prayers there: thi 
 cannot alter them, and thev are beautifully done 
 and such >iugiug ! I always went to afterno 
 prayer^ there, when I was staying with the Price-. 
 
 '• What a shame, to be sure, that that larg 
 district should have been promised to that boy, 
 before any one could know what he would tu 
 out!" 
 
 "It is: now, if Mr. Strangeways had it — " 
 
 " i 1 -Mr. Strangeways 
 
 . : I wonderful preacher ; ai 
 
 young, too; not above thirty, 1 I). 
 " Mr. Nevinaon is quite a j 1 n i, if I 
 
 '.'ai the other. 
 "Yes, and some of the peo] qd to like hi 
 
 ! r than Mr. Ti -
 
 344 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 vannion. But it is strange how beguiling the 
 manners of that party generally are." 
 
 "Well, I remember," rejoined her friend, 
 " that the poor spoke very well of Mr. Nevinson. 
 I cannot help hoping well of him. I met him 
 once out, and certainly was charmed with the 
 sweetness and piety of his manners. Can such a 
 man be really far wrong? His life is a living 
 epistle." ' 
 
 The old gentleman here lifted his head, and 
 spoke earnestly, — 
 
 "I am afraid we must not trust it, ma'am, 
 where it is connected with so much soul-destroying 
 error. Even Satan can transform himself into an 
 angel of light." 
 
 The lady who favoured Nevinson looked rather 
 distrustfully at the speaker. She compressed her 
 lips for a minute, and then turning to her friend, 
 who appeared to be on friendly terms with him, 
 from the readv smile with which she received his 
 speech, and the apparent answer she was about to 
 make, continued, without giving her time to 
 speak, — 
 
 "My idea of Mr. Nevinson was a good deal 
 confirmed by a short conversation I once over- 
 heard. I was caught in a shower of rain, without 
 an umbrella, one day during my last visit, and 
 stood under an archway in Porter-street, where 
 one or two people were standing. A little merry- 
 looking old woman, with a basket, was very close 
 to me, and had apparently just recognized an old
 
 I.WOOD PBIOBY. 3 15 
 
 friend, with whom she was holding an animated 
 conversation, as I found, on the subject of church- 
 going. ' "Well/ said her friend, ' I never seed you 
 at church last Sunday/ ' jN t o,' said the basket- 
 woman ; ' the thing is, you see, I went and heerd 
 Mr. Xevison/ ' Law, and did 'e though ? But 
 isn't that un a Puscy, Mrs. Groves ?' 'Oh, well, 
 some folks call him a Pusey ; but that's nought 
 to me. lie's a good man, and not a bit of pride 
 in him ; if Mr. Nerison is Puscy, all I can say 
 is, I wish all the world was Puseys. He's got 
 heaven in his face and in his talk, and a'most 
 wears hisself out for poor folks.'" 
 
 " I am afraid you are half Pusey yourself," said 
 the other, laughing. "Do you know Mr. Ncvin- 
 son, Mr. Wells?" she asked of the old gentleman. 
 " I believe not." 
 
 Louis turned quickly round, and met the old 
 man's eyes iixed on him. He coloured, and looked 
 again out of the window. Mr. Wells replied 
 that he did not, "but that the sooner such men 
 as he and Mr. Trcvannion went to Rome, the 
 better; their insinuating manners only making 
 them more dangerous." 
 
 "Do you know who is to supply Mr. Trevan- 
 nion's place for the next six month- ?" inquired 
 
 the lady. 
 
 "A Mr. Mortimer, from Norfolk," replied the 
 gi nt Ionian. 
 
 "St. Margaret gets all the fine names/ 1 said 
 the other laily, laughing.
 
 34G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Do you know if he is a true man, Mr. Wells?" 
 
 "1 am afraid, my dear madam/ 5 replied the 
 gentleman, politely ; " you can't expect much 
 from Mr. Trevannion. Mr. Mortimer is a very 
 young man; but I trust he may be right and 
 true. He comes from a good stock, though 
 reared in that hot-bed of Arminianism, Oxford/ 5 
 
 " It will be a blessing to the parish, if he prove 
 efficient,' 5 replied the lady. 
 
 The old gentleman did not seem inclined to 
 continue the conversation. He had again fastened 
 his eyes on his pamphlet, and was quietly en- 
 snaring the child to his side by some talismanic 
 signals with his fingers, and a paper of barley- 
 sugar which appeared very mysteriously from some 
 pocket. The child very soon changed his place, 
 and Louis was beginning to warm a little to the 
 lover of children, when at this moment the train 
 arrived at the station, and being near the door, 
 Louis jumped out, politely waiting to assist the 
 ladies. Mr. Wells came last, and to him our 
 hero left the office of assisting them further ; and 
 proceeding to the luggage-van, he at length dis- 
 covered, among the trunks and portmanteaus 
 mercilessly flung on the platform, his own share 
 of its contents. He had, furthermore, just made 
 the discovery, that Mr. Wells's acquaintance was 
 a Mrs. Wybrow, from the labelling of some huge 
 trunks claimed by her, when a gentleman rapidly 
 approached, and almost before he could recognize 
 him, exclaimed, —
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 'j17 
 
 " Mortimer ! how arc you? I was very nearly 
 too late." 
 
 "Nevinson ! This is kind, to meet me here in 
 this strange land/' replied Louis, warmly return- 
 ing his hearty grasp of the hand. 
 
 " I have a fly outside ; Ave will not waste any 
 more time; I am longing to get you home." 
 
 His luggage was quickly carried off by the fly- 
 man who accompanied Nevinson, and forgetting 
 at once all his curiosity about Mr. Well-. Louis 
 followed ; not, however, before he had heard Mrs. 
 Wybrow remark to her friend, "I declare that's 
 new curate. Thcv seem great friends." 
 
 Louis followed his friend with a heightened 
 colour and a smile on his face down the staircase 
 that led to the road. At the bottom their way 
 was obstructed by people clamorous for convey- 
 ances; and while waiting here for a fly to drive 
 up, Mr. Wells briskly descended the stairs, and 
 anced to Louis. 
 
 * Ali ! and so you are Mr. Mortimer himself?" 
 
 he said, holding out his hand. " I hope you have 
 
 left your father well. I am glad to see you here, 
 
 none the less that you have heard yourself talked 
 
 he addi 1, with a .mile. " Now, tell me how 
 
 Our father. 1 wanted you to come to me. 
 
 Mi. ! Bee," he continued, "your friend is im- 
 nt. I won't detain you. od willing, 1 
 
 II call on you on Monday ; and you musi con- 
 your home ; come in and go oul 
 
 when you Life . Via eh V"
 
 348 DASHWOOD FltlOKY. 
 
 Louis supposing the last query to refer to his 
 place of abode, hastily answered in the affirmative, 
 and with a warm grasp of the hand, the old man 
 released him. 
 
 " I told Trevannion you would spend a few days 
 with me/' said Nevinson, when they were alone in 
 the fly ; " and you must not refuse, for we have a 
 bed, and so much to tell you. You have not seen 
 Ella yet ; and in fact everything is new, and I 
 know interesting." 
 
 Nevinson was so hearty and happy, that Louis 
 felt his fatigues almost over. He made many 
 inquiries about his friend's home, and one or two 
 about Mr. Wells. Nevinson pointed out a large 
 mansion in the distance as Ivy lands, and answered 
 all his queries fully ; but there was a little con- 
 straint visible in his manner of speaking of Mr. 
 Wells, for which Louis was not at much loss to 
 account, after the conversation he had overheard ; 
 and he was a little struck with the gentle, kind 
 tone in which Nevinson told him that Mr. Wells 
 was a good man and very earnest, never even in- 
 ferring by any expression that a difference of 
 opinion existed between them. Louis, however, 
 noticed the searching and almost sorrowful ex- 
 pression of his large dark eyes as he concluded, 
 and immediately changed the subject. At last 
 the fly stopped at a pretty cottage, scarcely out of 
 the town. It was too dusk to distinguish details, 
 but Louis saw there was a little garden, and 
 walked on a gravel path round a small lawn to
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOBY. 349 
 
 the house' door, which was wide open, and beyond 
 on one side of the hall an inner door like* i 
 whence glowed the firelight very invitingly. 
 Nevinson rapidly led his friend through the latter 
 into a comfortable room, something between a 
 library and drawing-room, where a blazing fire 
 and a warm welcome awaited him. Mrs. Nevinson, 
 a lady-like young woman, stood near the door to 
 greet her husband's friend, and performed her 
 part with a grace and friendliness that made the 
 id at home. 
 
 ' Ella knows you very well, Mortimer/' said 
 
 rinsonj "she has been quite looking forward 
 to this meeting, and yon have often heard of her." 
 " We an- mutually gratified, I am sure/' said 
 the lady. "You must be cold, Mr. .Mortimer; 
 travelling is always very cold. I have ordered a 
 tire in your room. 1 hope Henry has persuaded 
 you to remain with us till Mr. Trevannion's 
 departur 
 
 • 'i ou are very kind, indeed," replied Louis; "it 
 will be :t very greal pleasure to me." 
 
 fcer so long ;<. separation, you mus1 both have 
 10 much to say; those numberless little things 
 that ii. ..r can be told in ;. letter. We aw both 
 glad you have consented to take Mr. Tn- 
 ronnion'a duty; it was so exactly whal Henry 
 irished." 
 
 ■Mi ■■!■ a little more talk, Nevinson led the way 
 
 he aea1 little bedroom thai bad been prepared 
 tar In- reception. Here was an easj chair turned
 
 350 DASHWOOD PRIOHY. 
 
 towards tlic fire, and near it a little table with, 
 inkstand, portfolio, and paper, and a small kettle 
 of boiling water was on the fire. Everything 
 seemed to be most carefully and kindly arranged 
 for his comfort. 
 
 " Our accommodations are very small," said 
 Nevinson, as he placed the candle on the dressing- 
 table ; " but you know, a little where love is — " 
 
 " How kindly you have been thinking of me ! " 
 said Louis, gratefully. " I did not expect such a 
 welcome at my journey's end." 
 
 "What did you expect, then?" replied Nevin- 
 son, happily. "Do you see anything down-stairs 
 of the old rooms at college, Mortimer ? " 
 
 " Your favourite colour," replied Louis ; " that 
 comfortable red." 
 
 " Ella and I, you know, are obliged to study 
 economy ; we are not overflowing with riches, and 
 I need not say to you how much a clergyman has 
 to do with his superfluous money ; so when we 
 furnished, we got those plain substantial articles 
 which would wear and look most comfortable at 
 the least cost ; and I knew of old how well my old 
 curtains and carpets wore, and how snug that old j 
 room looked to the last. I think I need not ask I 
 you how you like my Ella." 
 
 " No," answered Louis ; " there can be but one ! 
 opinion." 
 
 "It is too soon to judge," said Nevinson. "I 
 am too impatient; but I will defy your closest j 
 criticism. ' The heart of her husband doth safely
 
 DAS II WOOD PRIOllY. 351 
 
 :rust in her, and her price is far above rubies.' 
 But I will leave you now: dinner will soon be 
 read}-. \Yc have a late one to-day in lionour of 
 pou. I have another treasure to show yet." 
 
 Louis was soon ready; and when he left his 
 room, he found his host within earshot, for he 
 him directly, and led him to a room on the 
 3pposite side of the landing. Here everything 
 ikened a nursery; — a small tent bed in the 
 Dornerofthe room, a cradle in another corner, 
 md a respectable-looking young woman work' 
 xt a little frock near the table, all scrupulously 
 
 led the way quickly, but very softly, 
 bed. On the outside, covered over with a 
 bawl, his little rosy face resting on a 
 linj tl hand, his long dark lash contrasting beau- 
 os1 his fair cheek, lay a cherub baby 
 [ p, as if he had been tired out with play. 
 
 N( irinson held the candle above him, and looked 
 D with unutterable love, as if he had for. 
 tie had brought i.i 
 
 •,i. what a treasure ! — what a lovely child ! " 
 i. ois. "You may be proud of that 
 i. Do not you feel \ aid of 
 
 h 
 
 • .1 proud" said N in, very 
 
 ••II rift that comet h from the 
 
 ■1 my I [eavenly Father 
 me. My own one/' In- ad l< the bal 
 
 . lil'tt d !ii. r\ elid . and turned
 
 35,2 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 his round, full dark eyes on the stranger wonder- 
 ingly. " Take the candle, nurse." 
 
 Nurse relieved her master, and meeting the 
 outstretched arms of his first-born, he lifted him 
 from the bed. 
 
 " This wasn't your sleepy time, my boy. Was 
 he tired with play ? What, a loving kiss for 
 papa ? " he added, as the beauteous child threw 
 his little fat arms round his father, and with open 
 lips pressed a kiss on his cheek. 
 
 Louis stood an admiring spectator, wdien the 
 child's attention was attracted by another sight 
 behind his father, and his arms were once more 
 extended with an eager cry, while his whole coun- 
 tenance lighted up with excitement and anima- 
 tion, as his mother drew near him, the flush of 
 recent sleep adding such a radiancy of loveliness 
 as a painter would have delighted in. Mrs. Nevin- 
 son looked at Louis for admiration, and was quite 
 satisfied with the wrapt smile she saw, and as if 
 transported, she seized the little naked foot that 
 had lost its shoe, and kissed it over and over 
 again ; then taking the child from her husband, 
 she laughed with it from very happiness. Dinner 
 was announced, and with a fond kiss the precious 
 one was delivered to his nurse, and Louis led 
 Mrs. Nevinson to her little dining-room. The 
 evening was spent very happily. They were lively 
 and unreserved ; but that which delighted Louis 
 most was the deep, unaffected, cheerful piety that 
 breathed in all his friends said or did, and the
 
 DASHWOOD PKIORT. 353 
 
 beautiful spirit of charity which characterized all 
 their mention of those of whom they spoke, even 
 though, in many eases, they might differ widely 
 in sentiment, it was natural and necessary that 
 Louis should hear much of persons on his arrival 
 in a strange place, where he was to be so much 
 connected with the same ; but Ncvinson always 
 seemed to know the good, and never to — the 
 evil. 
 
 As Louis bid his hosts good night, after the 
 little hallowed worship of the evening, he thought 
 much of that word which says, '• Charity thinkcth 
 no evil, vaunteth not herself, seeketh not her own, 
 believeth all things, hopeth all thin 
 
 The next day was Sunday, and early in the 
 morning a gentle tinkling of the many bells in 
 various parts of the town awakened our hero. 
 Though it was not daylight, he rose and dressed, 
 and remained in his room till he supposed it might 
 hi- near breakfast-time. lie found his friend 
 taking off bis great coat in the hall, while through 
 the open dour of the adjacent sitting-room be 
 saw that Mrs. Nevinson's breakfast preparations 
 
 seemed in a state of readim 
 
 •■ Have you been out already?" asked Louis, 
 
 when the first greetings were out. 
 
 "We have early prayers at -even on Sundays," 
 replied Nevinson, "and at eight o'clock every 
 othei day." 
 
 ■• Why did you not tell me so last night? 1 
 should have helped you." 
 
 2 i
 
 354 BASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Not after your long journey/' said Nevinson, 
 leading him in to breakfast ; " you will soon begin 
 in good earnest.'* 
 
 At a quarter past nine Louis set out with his 
 host and hostess. He was to meet his rector in 
 the vestry, and both his friends were bound for 
 the Sunday school. 
 
 " We shall meet at church/' said Louis, as they 
 parted near the church. 
 
 "You will meet me/' said Nevinson. "Ella 
 always allows nurse to go in the morning, and 
 stays at home with baby. We have three services, 
 beside early prayers." 
 
 Louis was left alone at the door of the church, 
 almost without understanding that he had arrived 
 there, so intently had he been conversing with his 
 friend, and therefore, being close to the building, 
 was not fully aware of the extreme beauty of its 
 outward proportions, but that of the interior 
 almost startled him. 
 
 The church had been built only a few years, and 
 was radiant with new stonework of a first-rate 
 description. No expense had been spared to render 
 it, as far as man's hands could render it, a fitting 
 temple for the worship of the triune Jehovah. Over 
 the inner door of the porch, into which Louis en- 
 tered, in red and black letters was the text, ■" This 
 is the house of God ; this is none other than the 
 gate of heaven." And as he passed through the 
 beautifully-wrought bronze gates that formed this 
 second portal, an unbroken line of clustering
 
 DA8HWOOD PKIORY. 355 
 
 pillars and graceful arches of the Decorated style, 
 charmed his eye. The groined roof and rich 
 windows, with their flowing tracery and coloured 
 glass, the illumined texts here and there, where 
 they could be placed without damage to the 
 uniformity of the edifice, all added in forming 
 one whole, that charmed his senses and impressed 
 him with a sense of deep solemnity. 
 
 A pew-opener, who was sitting near the door, 
 rose on Louis' entra Ld on his inquiring for 
 
 Trevannion, led him up the south aisle to the 
 further end, where, matching a screen which con- 
 cealed the organ in the north aisle, was the vestry. 
 She knocked at the door, and on the answering, 
 " Come in," opened it and left Louis to himself. 
 He now found himself in a comfortable little room, 
 very like other vestries, lighted by a circular 
 window, on which was painted a cross surmounted 
 by a crown, and over the mantel-pii ce was a large 
 framed engraving of Leonardo da Vinci's "Last 
 Supper." There were one or two richly-carved 
 oak chairs with crimson seats, and on one of these, 
 Dear the fire, with a table at one side, sat Trevan- 
 nion, Leaning pen in hand in a graceful attitude 
 at a manuscript, — a Bible and Concordance lay 
 beside. He raised bis bead as the door opened, 
 and then advancing a few steps, be welcomed 
 I . wis with an exl reme courtesy and refinement of 
 manner, thai set him at once perfectly at his ea 
 and. yet expressed aa utile as was consistenl with 
 their former degree of friendship. Louis was 
 
 :.' i '2
 
 35G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 accommodated with a chair on the opposite iside 
 of the fire, and after all proper inquiries about his 
 health and journey, Trevannion easily diverged 
 into his satisfaction at seeing Louis, and his plans 
 and wishes during his absence, and Louis at length 
 gathered from his discourse, that he was particu- 
 larly anxious to have the service very carefully 
 done, especially the singing, and that he was ex- 
 ceedingly rejoiced to get a gentleman to fill his 
 place. 
 
 " I am desirous not to disgust the people, Mr. 
 Mortimer. We have had a very thin congregation, 
 owing, I imagine, to the very uncomfortable way 
 in which the church was pewed. I have been at 
 considerable expense to remedy this defect, and as 
 you see, have had open benches to replace the old 
 pews, and have also at length obtained, I believe, 
 a good organist ; but not being a musician, I have 
 not been able to superintend this part of the 
 service at all. I expect," he added, with a smile, 
 " that you Avill have all that in splendid training 
 when I return." 
 
 As he spoke he rose, and throwing open the 
 door, led Louis once more into the church towards 
 the communion-table. A beautiful oak screen 
 separated the chancel from the body of the church. 
 Trevannion opened a gate in one of the side- 
 screens, and led Louis within this spot, which 
 seemed to be considered so sacred. On either 
 side were stalls for the choristers, and raised four 
 steps was an altar-piece, surrounded with a carved
 
 DASIIWOOU PRIORY. • >■'/ 
 
 oak railing. The table of carved stone bore two 
 massive silver candlesticks, each with its lighted 
 taper ; and on each side of it were two splendid 
 chairs. Behind the table rose the stonework, on 
 which were illumined the Ten Commandments, the 
 Belief, and Lord's Prayer, in four arches ; and still 
 higher, partially shaded by a crimson curtain, a 
 ■^eous window, portraying the Last Supper: 
 above were the words " Hoc est corpus meum." 
 Louis was almost struck dumb for a minute ; he 
 looked gravely at the show. He had never been 
 within a Romish chapel, but he fancied it must 
 look something like this. 
 
 '• It is very beautiful," he said at last. "Do 
 you have cathedral service here?" 
 
 " 1 wish it much/' replied Trcvannion ; "but nei- 
 ther Nevinson nor I can intone. You will be able." 
 
 Louis shook his head. 
 
 •• Nay. but T know \ou can, and lam sure vou 
 
 ve too much desire to do all honour to the 
 hip of the Almighty not to attempt it." 
 
 solemn reverential manner in which Tre- 
 nion spoke, made Louis look at him. His 
 
 _e dark eyes seemed lighted with a fire of 
 enthusiasm. 
 
 "Yon need no' attempt just at present," he 
 
 added, gently. " U e can talk to-night more about 
 
 •hi ae arrangements. 1 am sun- we shall all work 
 
 ether j the Church needs unity, Mr. Mortimer. 
 
 Then are tOO many distractions and schism- 
 alr< ; tlv within her. - '
 
 358 DASHWOOD PRIOEY. 
 
 There was a little pause ; Louis felt there was 
 much of which he disapproved ; but as nothing 
 very objectionable had been started, he could not 
 attack, and so remained silent, — so grave, and 
 apparently so absorbed in the inspection of the 
 mosaic pavement on which he stood, that he did 
 not notice the keen curious gaze Trevannion fixed 
 on him, as if he wished to read all his mind. 
 He presently informed Louis that the window was 
 presented by himself, in memory of his father, 
 and when Louis had sufficiently admired it, he 
 kindly asked him to read prayers that morning, 
 and informed him that the remainder of the day 
 would be entirely at his disposal. 
 
 "You will like to see something of the new 
 place and its churches, and after this day, I am 
 afraid you will have no time. We shall be able 
 to do without you to-day." 
 
 Louis thanked him, and began to sav that he 
 did not wish to take that day for a survev of the 
 town, when Trevannion, asking him to excuse his 
 abstraction, returned to the vestrv and resumed 
 his labour of correction. Louis had a short time 
 for thought while his friend was engaged; but his 
 mind was sadly startled, shocked, and interested. 
 He had imagined before his arrival how much he 
 should do and say in opposition to Trevannion's 
 errors ; but as yet they had only taken him by 
 surprise, and he was dumb. 
 
 Before long the bells began to ring, and Tre- 
 vannion soon laid aside his work, and talked to
 
 ]>\M1\V00D PIUOKY. 350 
 
 Louis about the vicarage and other indifferent 
 topics, as if it had been any other day, till the 
 sexton came in to help him with his vestments. 
 Nevinson came in at the same time, and exactly 
 as the clod, struck eleven, the three clergymen in 
 their surplices entered the church; the beadle 
 and '\ton preceded them with wands, and open- 
 
 a gate of the screen, with much ceremony 
 ushered them to their places in the chancel, while 
 from the other side poured in twelve chorister 
 boys and five or six laymen, likewise in surplices. 
 Louis thought he must have mistaken his way, 
 and hesitating as the beadle stood back to let 
 him step into one of the stalls, whispered some- 
 thing about the reading-desk. The man bowed low, 
 and still pointed to the desk before him. Louis 
 saw Bible and Praver-book before him, and 
 
 red. As lie rose from his knees, he glanced 
 at Trcvannion and Nevinson, but their composed 
 countenances said all was right; and with some 
 little nervous feeling, he stood up and looked 
 through the carved screen at the congregation, 
 tnd wondered how they would hear his voice. 
 
 V» hen the fine tones of the organ had nearly 
 
 away, the boys Middenly broke into, " I will 
 
 ari The eil'eet was solemnly beautiful j Louis 
 
 joined, and when it was concluded was sufficiently 
 
 Composed to read the I >.hoitat ion Calmly through, 
 
 though he found it aecessarj to exi rl his \oice 
 
 far more than he had e\er ilonr in hi- own little 
 village church.
 
 3G0 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 As the service proceeded, Louis grew more and 
 more at his ease ; the sweet words he had prayed 
 from his childhood seemed to re-assure him, and 
 before long, he hardly noticed the strange faint 
 glare of the large candles, burning in the 
 coloured daylight on the table, and was only 
 impressed solemnly by the varied rays from the 
 gorgeous window, the exclusiveness of the par- 
 titioned chancel, and the beautiful singing ; while 
 he who had intended to stand so prominently in 
 opposition to the forms and ceremony of Trevan- 
 nion's party, turned to the east with clergy and 
 choristers, almost ere he had thought whether it 
 was wrong or right ; and comforted himself that 
 it was " a matter of no consequence ; it was cus- 
 tomary in cathedrals." What does the Holy word 
 say ? " He that despiseth little things, shall fall 
 by little and little." Trevannion, still arrayed in 
 his surplice and holding his cap in his hand, 
 entered the pulpit. The cap was laid down on 
 the cushion, and leaning gracefully against the 
 pillar that supported the pulpit, with arms slightly 
 folded, he gave forth a flowing moral harangue 
 for twenty minutes, when, advancing to the front, 
 he spread his arms around and pronounced the 
 final benediction in a very papal manner. Louis 
 had listened very eagerly for the love of Christ, 
 but he listened in vain : he longed to go up and 
 speak for the Saviour's honour, for his heart 
 burned within him; and when they left the 
 church, he walked silently home with Nevinson,
 
 DASIIWOOI) PRIORY. 3G1 
 
 only replying to his remarks by monosyllables. 
 As soon as he entered the house he rushed up- 
 stairs, and remained in his room till dinner. He 
 
 - agitated and distressed, and hardly seemed to 
 know how or what to ask ; but the silent distress- 
 ful breathing oi" the Christian is never unnoticed. 
 Even when he thinks he cannot pray, he often 
 prays the more effectually. 
 
 V vinson seemed rather anxious to know Louis' 
 impression of the whole, and after several leading 
 irks and questions, Louis replied, — 
 
 " I don't like everything : the church is very 
 ii' autiful; but I wish the reading-desk were more 
 
 ong the congregation, I think they can hardly 
 hear." 
 
 •• Oh yes, perfectly well," replied Nevinson, 
 with a slight colour. " There was a reading-desk 
 on a line with the pulpit formerly, but Mr. Tre- 
 
 nnion altered the arrangement j and 1 agree 
 with him that it is in better keeping, though 1 
 had some dislike to the idea at first." 
 
 " But why, Nevinson, why does Trevannion 
 have those candles lighted ? I could have thought 
 elf in a Romish shrine." 
 
 ■ My dear Mortimer," replied Nevinson, " why 
 
 uld we reject what is admirable in the ( 'atholic, 
 
 because he is a Catholic? We are in far more 
 danger of allowing holy places to be desecrated, 
 a of attending too much to their lawful adorn- 
 menl 
 
 lis looked full at Nevinson, i\nd said," I
 
 36.2 PASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 think there is one great mistake in your theory. 
 You forget that, now we are not under the 
 Jewish dispensation, there is now no Holy of Holies 
 on earth, — that priests are no longer to make 
 prayers for the people in a covered sanctuary, 
 while the congregation stand without, and wait 
 the efficacy of the prayers they never hear. St. 
 Paul warns his converts against praying in an 
 unknown tongue : ' Else, when thou shalt bless 
 with the Spirit, how shall he that occupieth the 
 room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving 
 of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what 
 thou sayest ? For thou verily givest thanks well, 
 but the other is not edified.' Now I cannot see 
 much difference between praying in an unknown 
 tongue, and praying where the people cannot hear 
 at all, or very imperfectly. The Ptomanists, whom 
 I do not with vou call Catholics, brim? the ex- 
 ample of the Jewish ceremonies forward in defence 
 of mumbling their Latin mass, and I cannot help 
 thinking there is something akin to their super- 
 stitions in these things/' 
 
 "You will not think so soon, I hope/' said 
 Nevinson ; " it takes you by surprise now, and 
 appears Avorse than it is. However, I do not 
 approve of the candles at all myself, so we are as 
 agreed there as I think we shall soon be on other 
 points, if, indeed, we quarrel now about more than 
 words." 
 
 They did not resume the subject, which Mrs. 
 Nevinson changed immediately her husband had
 
 DASI1WOOD PRIORY. 3G3 
 
 spoken. Louis inquired about some of the churches 
 in the neighbourhood, and set out after dinner to 
 one recommended ; but finding, as he anticipated, 
 that the service bore much resemblance to that in 
 Trevannion's church, he determined to choose for 
 himself in the evening. 
 
 Accordingly, after tea, he asked the way to the 
 church in which Mr. Strangeways preached ; and, 
 in answer to his host's rather anxious queries as 
 to where he heard of him, he simply replied he 
 had heard him spoken of in the train. 
 
 " You will not admire him much, I fancy," 
 said Nevinson, quietly, as he parted from him at 
 the garden-gate, after giving him the necessary 
 directions; "but perhaps it may be as well you 
 should hear him for yourself." 
 
 Louis soon reached the chapel of ease to which 
 he was directed, and was shown into a pew with 
 Mrs. Wybrow. His heart had been aching and 
 restless during the day; but here it seemed to 
 attain its usual quiet. It was like home. Not 
 an ornament, — not a boss or carving to catch the 
 eye Mas there. It was a plain square church, 
 built almost on the model of a dissenting chapel, 
 with huge square galleries and straight gaslights, 
 but comfortable and warm, and full in crowding. 
 There was plain, unpretending congregational 
 
 Mii_ni!_ r , in which all seemed to .join. Louis' 
 heart and voice went alike in the glorioufl lmnn, — 
 
 ' .1 -h.-ill r. 'in 
 
 Does his successive- journ< yi run."
 
 361 DASHWOOD PRIORY 
 
 Hardly ever had church service seemed so sweet 
 to him ; the unity, the harmony, the warmth of 
 spirit that seemed to pervade the assembly was 
 most delightful, especially when contrasted with 
 the cold solemnity and stateliness of the beautiful 
 morning exhibition ; and yet, when our hero, with 
 his romantic ideas and refined taste, saw the plain 
 unpromising-looking young man who filled the 
 reading-desk, and heard his harsh voice and 
 slightly common accent, perceptible when he 
 began to read, he could hardly imagine this could 
 be the popular man who would have been the 
 proper incumbent of Trevannion's church. He 
 changed his mind a little as the service proceeded ; 
 there was so much feeling in the manner in which 
 the lessons were read and the hymn given out, 
 that his surprise was modified when he saw the 
 same individual mount the pulpit stairs ; and 
 here all provincial accent, all inequalities of voice, 
 all ungainliness of person, were alike forgotten. 
 Louis' heart only swelled with the music of the 
 message which the gifted preacher delivered, as 
 though his soul were indeed in it, his pale coun- 
 tenance glowing with ardour, his tone filling with 
 enthusiasm. Louis confessed no common mind was 
 there. The text was, "There is one God and one 
 Mediator between God and man, the man Christ 
 Jesus." Louis sat with Avrapt gaze fixed on the 
 preacher. He had thought his father perfec- 
 tion, but eloquence like this he had never heard 
 before., and he rejoiced both for himself and others
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 365 
 
 that such a man had been raised up to preach 
 folly the unsearchable riches of Christ. There 
 v. ere some allusions to the dangerous and melan- 
 choly doctrines disseminated in the town ; but 
 though boldly refuted, there was no rancour ex- 
 pressed against persons : it was but sorrow of 
 heart and pious anger that men should dare to 
 take anything from the perfect finished work of 
 Christ. Louis wondered as the preacher burned 
 with holy zeal for the honour of his Lord, and his 
 heart melted a the voice quivered with emotion 
 in deploring the fatal errors around them. That 
 emed like a dream of bliss only too 
 short ; he would have listened all night ; but the 
 
 icluding hymn was sung, the blessing given, 
 and the congregation poured out ; and after 
 
 -ting the lady in whose pew he sat to replace 
 the hooks, he left the pew, only too glad thai 
 he was alone, and might be silent. He walked 
 llowly home, and found Trcvannion sitting with 
 his friends. 
 
 "Well, have you made the most of your time?" 
 
 i Trcvannion. "Where have you been, and 
 what have \ on seen this evening?" 
 
 Louis informed him; and very repugnant to 
 
 him was the look of intense hatred and BCOTD 
 
 Trevannion's face assumed at the mention of 
 
 ^\Ir. Stranj»eways' name, as he drawled out 
 haughtily,— 
 
 " Well, and what did the young Calvini t saj .' 
 ^ ou know whom you hav< I - oppose now , ,J
 
 366 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Oppose ! " said Louis. " He is a very fine 
 preacher." 
 
 Trevannion crimsoned, and replied, — 
 
 " He hates me, and you, and Nevinson, with a 
 perfect hatred, — as intensely as I despise him." 
 
 He rose up, and wishing the friends good night, 
 departed, after expressing, rather abruptly, a hope 
 that he should see Louis to-morrow, when they 
 would more definitely settle their affairs.
 
 DASHWOOD PBIOBT. 3G7 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 •' Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? To hi-: 
 own master lie standeth or l'alleth." — Rom. xiv. 4. 
 
 " The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." 
 — Jamea i. 
 
 We do not mean to attempt to account for Tre- 
 vannion's anxiety to obtain Louis.' services, nor 
 for the fact that, with views so diametricallv 
 opposite, the two clergymen came to any agrce- 
 nt. Some hinted that Trevannion wanted a 
 musical curate, and knowing something of Louis' 
 natural character, trusted to time to effect what 
 he required in one; and others, that Louis, dis- 
 armed by the caution and Jiaesse of his old school- 
 fellow, and haunted by his dangerous love of 
 praise, which Trevannion fostered, forgot to 
 declare openly, in tiie short time he had with his 
 
 rector, his decided abhorrence of the Lengths to 
 
 which Trevannion's superstition carried him. Be 
 this how it may, matters came to an amicable 
 settlement ; and Trevannion, trusting to his eeelc- 
 
 jtical machinery and Nevinson's influence, left 
 In- charge to Louis the Tuesday after hi- arrival. 
 
 In the afternoon of the same day Mr. W 
 called on Louis. The interview was short; but
 
 368 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 from the few words that passed, Louis was pre- 
 pared to revere and look up to his father's friend 
 as an experienced Christian, able, under God, to 
 guide and strengthen his hands ; and he accepted 
 with sincere pleasure an invitation from him to 
 dinner on the following day. 
 
 On reaching Ivylands at the appointed hour on 
 Wednesday, Louis was shown into the drawing- 
 room, where he was warmly and courteously 
 received by Mr. Wells, and introduced to his 
 daughter, and subsequently to three lady visitors, 
 in one of whom he recognised Mrs. Wybrow, and 
 in another his friend Salisbury's sister Fanny. 
 
 Miss Salisbury and our hero were mutually 
 pleased at the unexpected rencontre, and as Louis 
 had many questions to ask about his old school- 
 fellow, only stern duty prevented his stationing 
 himself by the youngest lady in the house. Miss ; 
 Wells, however, engrossed his first civilities ; but | 
 these were soon interrupted by the announcement 
 of another visitor, and Mr. Strangeways entered, 
 and directly afterwards the partj r went in to dinner. I 
 As Mr. Wells led off the two elder ladies and 
 Mr. Strangeways was honoured with the lady of 
 the house, our hero had the satisfaction of leading 
 in Miss Salisbury, and very adroitly managed to 
 obtain two or three pieces of information about ! 
 her brothers, before they were well seated at table. '■ 
 The soup was hardly served, when Miss Wells 
 asked him what he thought of the town? what i 
 he had seen of it ? whether he thought the air
 
 DASHWOOS PRIORY. 369 
 
 relaxing? and so on, and Lonis detailed for her 
 benefit his general impressions of the whole, 
 especially as compared with the country; and 
 concluded bv alluding slightly, though feelingly. 
 to the advantage he considered he had de- 
 rived from Mr. Strangeways' sermon on Sunday 
 evening. 
 
 ■' What, then, vou were one of Mr. Strange- 
 ways' hearers last Sunday?" said Mr. Wells, who 
 had caught a word or two of his remark. " How 
 came that?" 
 
 There was a pleased, bright expression in Mr. 
 Wells's face as he spoke, and he looked quite affec- 
 tionately at his young guest, as he replied, — 
 
 " I had heard of Mr. Strangeways, and easily dis- 
 covered where 1 should find him. It was like home 
 to hear Christ so fully preached. I have wished 
 to thank you for that sermon, sir," he added, 
 meeting the pleased glauce of the clergyman 
 opposite to him. 
 
 Mr. Straugeways warmly expressed hi^ satis- 
 faction that they should be of the same mind ; 
 ■Bd Mr. Wells added, — 
 
 "I am glad to hear you say that, my friend. 
 mc your father has begun at the beginning; 
 
 thing but bread will do for the children, they 
 cannot be satisfied with a stone : I bope you will 
 bold; you have a responsible situation now in 
 that benighted parish." 
 
 w It quite rejoiced me to see Mr. Mortimer at 
 hurcli on Sundav," said Mrs. Wybrow, "Vou 
 
 S D
 
 370 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 know/' she added, with a little smile at Louis, 
 " we are all a little afraid of Mr. Trevarmion's 
 parish." 
 
 Louis bowed gravely, with a slight expression 
 of displeasure at the allusion to Trevannion ; and 
 the lady perceiving it, changed the subject, by 
 proceeding to inform Miss Wells of the amusing 
 rencontre she and her friend had had with Mr. 
 Mortimer, and their great delight on hearing 
 Mr. Strangeways, and the immense advantage his 
 ministry was ; and the conversation turned upon 
 the neighbouring clergymen ; and from this time, 
 Louis, who had before rejoiced in the thought 
 of the sweet counsel they were to take together 
 that evening, and the refreshment and the advan- 
 tage such conversation must be, heard nothing but 
 histories of this and that person, interspersed 
 with such ejaculations as, "rank Puseyite!" 
 "rank Tractarian !" " rank Arminian \" " set of 
 Freewillers \" and remarks about such a one 
 being "very dubious;" and such another, not 
 " understanding the truth ;" and another, not 
 preaching it ; but of that truth Louis heard 
 nothing, of the power of that truth he saw 
 nothing, and he judged accordingly; hastily, as 
 man will judge when he leans upon his own 
 judgment. He had* yet to learn, though he I 
 thought he knew it, that there are diversities of 
 gifts, but the same Spirit. He had yet to learn 
 the force of that inquiry, "Who art thou that 
 judgest another man's servant ?" He had vet to 
 
 -
 
 DA8HW00D PKIOUV. 
 
 learn that the proportion of faith, the power ol 
 
 ech, the degree of love, differ in God's people, 
 
 they are His children. We know not, when 
 
 we condemn the evil-speaking of another, how, 
 
 baps, that offender, deeply humbled at the 
 remembrance of the sin in which he or she has 
 indulged, may long kneel before the Almighty 
 God with that prayer, " Set a watch, O Lord, 
 before my mouth, keep the door of my lips." 
 Yet Louis afterwards learned one great lesson 
 from this, — that the wrath of man worketh not the 
 righteousness of God. " It is good to be always 
 
 lously affected in a good cause," and to lift up 
 the voice against the evil ; but when Mr. Wells and 
 Mr. Strangeways indulged in this religious gossip 
 (for it was no better), they little knew the harm 
 they did to the very cause they sought to ad- 
 vance ; how their young friend silently listened, 
 
 v wearied and disgusted, and finally, all the in- 
 dignant feeling which had been roused during the 
 Conversation in the railway-carriage was predomi- 
 nant, and he felt inclined to cast his lot in with the 
 despised and vilified party. II is lip curled with 
 scorn as he repeated t<> himself, "Nevinson shows 
 his faith by his works. Mis is the religi .1 that 
 
 Iteth OOl it-elf, and thinketh no evil.'' He 
 heard much of " false charity;" and the thought 
 passed across his mind, " hut the 1 use is 
 
 no charity at all ;" and he rOM from in- chair 'I'he 
 
 sain:' conversation was resumed on their return to 
 the drawing-room, t<> n hich they very soon followed 
 
 9 i' 2
 
 372 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 the ladies ; and after listening silently for a short 
 time, during his necessary operation of drinking 
 coffee, he withdrew from the talkers, and took a 
 seat near Fanny Salisbury, who was knitting at 
 the table, away from the lady with whom she 
 came, and scarcely raised her eyes or changed her 
 position. 
 
 " You are are not much interested in the dis- 
 cussion, Miss Fanny," he said. 
 
 " No, I am not," she replied, raising her eyes 
 to him. " Are vou ? " 
 
 There was a very significant glance between 
 them, and a slight smile curled the corners of 
 Fanny's mouth. 
 
 " I do not call it a discussion, because every one 
 is of the same opinion, which is, that every one 
 is bad but the good and true." 
 
 She spoke in a very low voice, but so archly 
 that Louis smiled. 
 
 " And who are the good and true ? " he said. 
 
 " I need not tell you," she replied. " They 
 who know ' the truth fully,' I suppose. As for 
 the others," she added, very gravely, " there are 
 some who would quench the smokiug flax, and 
 tread down the bruised reed in contempt." 
 
 Louis looked surprised, and spoke with greater 
 interest. 
 
 " It will seem strange to you, perhaps," he said, 
 " but to say the truth, I have had but little ex- 
 perience in doctrinal differences, knowing, I believe, 
 that there are such things as Arminianism aad
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 373 
 
 Calvinism, and perhaps able to give a categorical 
 definition of each ; hut I thought all true Chris- 
 tians believed their Bibles ; that the truth was to 
 know the love of Chrisl and His perfect and all- 
 sufficient work." 
 
 "You have been very happy, then," said Fanny. 
 knitting away \cvy fast. " What a pity any one 
 should know anything else; and how strange 
 that 1 should have heard more than you ; but 
 lly, if faith went with man's teaching, I should 
 believe nothiug now. I have been assailed in turn 
 by High and Low Church, Dissenters, Romanists, 
 and Unitarians." 
 
 " And how have you come out '.' " 
 
 '■ You ask that?" said Fanny, lifting her eyes 
 in almost reproachfully. "Mr. Mortimer, does 
 not God make a way to escape — always?' 5 
 
 ' Indeed he does, Miss Fanny," said Louis, 
 
 wrly; " and yet — how strange that many of the 
 ere should fall into error." 
 
 '• Ah! now you are going beyond mej perhaps 
 they do not look for the way. There seems to me 
 i [ ■ ■. post." 
 
 ' Let me hear what," said Louis. 
 
 -The w noi.i Bible," Baid Fanny. ' You will 
 think mc ven presumptuous, I am afraid, Mr. 
 Mortimer," she said, shyly, during the pause thai 
 •nsued. " I am tOO independent tor a young lady, 
 
 . :n afraid." 
 " l'resiiinpt uou-," repealed Louis. "Oh,no! 
 
 only thinking with some astonishment how
 
 374 dasiiwood priory. 
 
 you have come in contact with all these different 
 persuasions you speak of." 
 
 " I am now visiting a Roman Catholic aunt/' 
 replied Fanny, " and her father confessor assails 
 me very often ; but I do not find anything there 
 very formidable, Mr. Mortimer. He trusts to 
 stupify, not to convince ; he talks of essences, and 
 iddities, and quiddities, and oddities, and monods, or 
 nomads, — I don't know what any of them mean, — 
 and tells me of the ' authority of a church,' I only 
 find mentioned in Revelations, and there we know 
 how ; and I think of something else, or laugh at 
 him. There is no Bible there at all, so I do not 
 feel in any danger ; nor have I felt in any danger 
 from Unitarians. As Dr. Arnold says, it is like 
 touching a corpse, so cold, so lifeless, it always 
 makes me shudder. I had a Unitarian school- 
 fellow, poor girl. But you know, Mr. Mortimer, 
 a child with a Bible may upset a Unitarian or a 
 Romanist ; and of the two, the last is the best." 
 
 " It always seems to me," said Louis, " that 
 that dreadful Socinian doctrine is one that does 
 not admit of the slightest outward fellowship. 
 You remember what St. John says, ' If there come 
 any unto us, and bring not the doctrine of Christ, 
 receive him not into your house, neither bid him 
 God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed, 
 is partaker of his evil deeds.' " 
 
 " I have not noticed that," replied Fanny. " It 
 is very solemn." 
 
 " ' Have no fellowship with the works of dark-
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. .,, .> 
 
 is the command. TVe are certainly too apt 
 to be careless of God's honour in matters of social 
 intercourse." 
 
 "The only perplexing differences to me," said 
 Fanny seriously, " arc those among Bible Chris- 
 tians. Where the Bible is brought forward, I 
 sometimes feel very doubtful, now leaning to one 
 and now to the other. Do not you think, Mr. 
 Mortimer, that many take only the extreme view 
 of either side, and forget how they are joined." 
 
 " I do indeed/' said Louis earnestly. " You 
 .have not found any good arise from this doctrinal 
 discussion?" 
 
 " Oh, no ! " said Fanny ; " unless it is that the 
 plain "Word of God is so very precious — so very 
 precious afterwards." 
 
 " It does not improve our feelings towards one 
 another, docs it ? " said Louis. 
 
 " Oh, no ! " said Fanny. " If I believed all that 
 one party said, I should never speak to a Dissenter; 
 and if another, to any one called High Church; 
 and yet I love, I hope, all that love Christ, with- 
 out thinking what they are called: that is not of 
 much importance." 
 
 " My dear Fanny," said the quieter of the two 
 Lilies, "we must not forget our long drive; the 
 fly is here, and your aunt will wonder where we 
 are. It is a great treat,"' she added, as the bid 
 
 .Mr. and Mi^ Wells good night. "Dear Fanny 
 is so debarred from such Intercourse at present ; 
 1 knew I might bring ber."
 
 37G DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Fannv bid adieu very dcmurelv ; but there was 
 an ominous pursing-up of the small mouth. She- 
 gave her hand to Louis as she passed, and he held 
 the door open, taking care to ask her address, as 
 he assisted her in putting on her shawl in the hall, 
 and then returned to the sitting-room, very much 
 dissatisfied that the same topics were still under 
 review between Mr. Wells and Mrs. Wybrow, 
 Miss Wells and Mr. StrangeAvays. 
 
 Louis took his leave a few minutes after Fanny's 
 departure, pleading Nevinson's early horns in ex- 
 cuse for his. He almost ran home, and directly 
 the servant had opened the door to his impatient 
 knock, he rushed past her, to her great surprise, 
 threw his hat on the table, and walked into his 
 friend's dining-room in his great coat. 
 
 Here an unexpected scene awaited him. Among 
 the many plans for the improvement of the igno- 
 rant poor of the populous parish under his care he 
 had devised, Nevinson and his wife had a weekly 
 class of such parents as could come after their 
 children were safely in bed, or others who were 
 engaged during the day. The women were taught 
 to mend and make, a branch of useful knowledge 
 in which the poor arc lamentably deficient ; and 
 while Mrs. Nevinson superintended this, her hus- 
 band read aloud a chapter in the Bible, and ex- 
 plained it, and then some pleasant little tract, 
 previously chosen for the purpose. Nevinson 
 seemed to have but one thought, " How can I 
 best employ my talent ? " and every day had its
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. o77 
 
 own prominent work marked out. The Budden 
 O] ening <>f the door caused a general turning of 
 I i ..(Is iii that direction. 
 
 Louis stood still .a momenl . 
 
 " Am I interrupting you ? " 
 
 " No, we have just done, Mr. Mortimer/' said 
 Mrs. Nevinson ; " indeed, Ave arc rather late. 
 Shall we have prayers, dear'.'" she said, turning 
 to her husband. 
 
 • Yes, it is quite late.*' 
 
 He rang the bell, and the servants entering, a 
 hymn led by Mrs. Nevinson was sung, the simple ser- 
 vice performed, and the company kindly dismissed. 
 
 When they were gone, Nevinson turned to 
 
 Louis with an inquiry respecting his enjoyment. 
 
 Louis v, as standing rather gloomily leaning against 
 
 the wall, and .Mrs. Nevinson echoed her husband's 
 
 stion before lie Beemed to hear 
 
 ' Now, the end of the commandment is cha- 
 rjty, '' he said, abruptly. " I have not enjoyed 
 self at all, Nevinson. I have been annoyed." 
 
 "My dear Mortimer/' said Nevinson. 
 
 The slightest possible glance passed between 
 
 him and his wife, and they changed the subject 
 by making some little remark on the poor mothers 
 n ho had jusl left. 
 
 •• I have been disappointed, Nevinson/' he said, 
 
 acly heeding the remark. " I shall never care 
 
 aboul Mr. Strangeways' preaching again: it is 
 
 th without works; it Is nothing but railing 
 
 . inst those who differ from him."
 
 378 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " Nay," said Nevinson, very kindly, while a 
 little flush mounted in his pale cheek, and he laid 
 his hand on Louis' arm ; " you will not say so in 
 heaven, Mortimer. He is a good man, and strives 
 to do good. He gives away a great deal to the 
 poor. I hear often of his charitable deeds, as 
 well as of his powers of preaching. You know," 
 he added, with a little huskiness, "we do not 
 agree at all in doctrine ; but we must acknow- 
 ledge excellence wherever we find it." 
 
 " ' Though I give all my goods to feed the 
 poor/ " said Louis. 
 
 " I believe, however much we differ, that he 
 is truly single-minded, Mortimer; that he only 
 thinks of delivering his message, and would 
 brave any obloquy for the advancement of his 
 opinions." 
 
 " Of his opinions ! Yes," said Louis, scornfully. 
 
 " My dear Mortimer, you are not like yourself. 
 Have you had supper ? " 
 
 " No — yes, thank you. Nevinson, you think 
 no evil. Oh, Nevinson ! ' charity beareth all 
 things, hopcth all things, endureth all things/ " 
 
 Nevinson looked a little perplexed, his eyes 
 dilated, and his happy expression grew more sweet, 
 as he replied, gently, — 
 
 " Well, dear Mortimer, you must hope all 
 things. You know how much pain that spares us, 
 does it not ? The Word of God is always shield- 
 ing His children from little vexations and heart- 
 burning, when they walk by its light." He paused,
 
 HVMIWOOD PRIORY. 379 
 
 .uid added, slowly, "How wonderful it seems that 
 men are so blind to their own happiness as to walk 
 in darkness." 
 
 Nothing more was said on either side. Louis 
 ted himself with a heart full of enthusiasm for 
 vinson. In a few minutes he mentioned his 
 meeting with Fanny Salisbury, and from thence 
 easily digressed to old times, and entertained his 
 friends for half an hour with old school recol- 
 lections ; and when they parted, his excitement 
 seemed to have died away.
 
 380 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 " Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou 
 me more than these ? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord ; Thou 
 knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs." 
 — John xxi. 15. 
 
 " Precept upon precept, line upon line ; here a little and there 
 a little."— Is. xxviii. 10. 
 
 Before the next Sunday arrived. Louis had 
 gained a general idea of his new parish, could 
 find his way about it pretty well by himself, and 
 was qualified to take his own share in its duties 
 without Nevinson's assistance. He also took pos- 
 session of the Rectory on the Saturday, and having 
 arranged with his friend to take the Sundav-school 
 in the morning, he set out from his house after 
 breakfast to commence operation*. 
 
 The school-house was a new and commodious 
 building, situated near the church. Masters and 
 mistresses had been carefully provided, and the 
 greatest care and circumspection were exercised 
 in inducing orderly attendance and mental im- 
 provement. The little quiet assembly at Dash- 
 wood had not Avell prepared Louis for the hundred 
 and fifty faces, all strange, all indifferent, which 
 met his inquiring look as he entered the boys* 
 school-room that morning. They were justassem-
 
 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 381 
 
 hied, and the master was walking round to see 
 that all were in their places, with clean faces and 
 hands, provided with hooks, ready for Mr. Morti- 
 mer's first visit. Louis made his way anion<r them 
 to the desk, and was immediately attended upon 
 by the master, who laid an open prayer-hook 
 hefore him. 
 
 The late excellent Mr. Bickersteth insists greatly, 
 in his advice to a young friend, always to eo 
 "from the closet to the pulpit." Surely this 
 advice will as well apply to the Sunday-school 
 teacher of every denomination. Those precious 
 little lambs wait on him for their food ; hut how 
 Can he give it to them, who has not just received 
 it at his Father's hands? How can he expect a 
 harvest who has not sought a hlcssing from the 
 Giver of the increase ? 
 
 Louis had been earnest in meditation and prayer 
 that morning, that a blessing might rest on his 
 work, and that he might duly estimate the im- 
 mense value of the souls committed to his charge, 
 and his responsibility as their watchman. It was 
 
 with a full heart that he looked on his younff 
 charge, and there was something in his silent 
 gaze that hushed the talkers, and awed the giddy 
 into an outward attention to the few words he 
 addressed to them before prayers. 
 
 "My dear boys. 1 dare Bay you will be veiv 
 attentive to me for a few minutes this morning, 
 
 for VOU will he rather curious to know what the 
 new clergyman will say. Now, 1 want just to
 
 382 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 say a very few words before we kneel down to the 
 Almighty God about all our duties on this blessed 
 day. Tell me, who sets apart this day?" The 
 children immediately answered as with one voice. 
 
 "Now, who can repeat the fourth command- 
 ment ? " 
 
 There were fifty hands held out, and Louis 
 signed to one to repeat it, and then added two or 
 three simple questions to show the nature of the 
 Christian's observance of the Sabbath. He then 
 continued, — 
 
 " Now, I want you all — all — the very little ones 
 as- well as the oldest here, — to try remember this 
 all the day long : ' Remember the Sabbath-day, to 
 keep it holy.' They are very few words. Now, 
 all repeat them." 
 
 He made them all repeat them twice, and then 
 continued — 
 
 " But you know we have all very sinful hearts; 
 we cannot keep the Sabbath holy by ourselves. 
 If you have no help, you will go away : some will 
 quarrel in and out of school ; some will play at 
 marbles or other games, and all will think idle 
 thoughts and speak idle words. "What must we 
 do?" 
 
 " Pray to God, sir," said several voices. 
 
 " That is just what we must do," replied Louis, 
 very seriously. " We are about to kneel down, 
 and I am going to ask for the Holy Spirit to teach 
 us all to keep it ; and if I ask in my heart, God 
 will help me j but will he help those who whisper
 
 DA8HW00D PBIOBY. 383 
 
 idle -words at his footstool, and those who laugh, 
 and those who think about idle things, or look at 
 their lessons while they are pretending to pray ? 
 tell me." 
 
 His eye wandered over several abashed little 
 faces, unci many voices answered, " No, sir." 
 
 " Then we have also to remember that this is a 
 very ioyful dav : ' This is the day the Lord hath 
 
 ■» v m m * 
 
 made; we should be glad and rejoice in it.' 
 
 ' ADgels praise Him, so will we, 
 Poor and sinful though we he.' 
 
 How good God is to give us one day in seven, — 
 
 ' That we may learn the way to heaven ; 
 
 Or el.-e we never should have thought 
 About religion as we ought.' 
 
 Now we will begin with a hymn; and remember, 
 God looks at the heart, — at the thoughts, — not at 
 the lips." 
 
 Lonis had inquired for a hymn-book, and had 
 been informed that they only sang chants; and 
 not knowing their tunes, he desired the master to 
 lead; and they all joined in the beautiful canticle, 
 
 " 0! come, let us sing unto the Lord." 
 They then knob down; and there was something 
 in the little address, and the serious joy of the 
 
 new clergyman, that impressed the boys this 
 morning, lor they were outwardly very attentive. 
 Prayers being over, Louis signified to tin' iu;i-- 
 
 ter, that In' would Look round the sehool for a 
 short time, to make himself acquainted with the 
 system, and with the capacity of the scholars, and
 
 384 dashwood priory. 
 
 then would take some of the bigger boys. The 
 usual routine was accordingly followed, with 
 Church catechism, collects, spelling, and that 
 admirable arrangement of Bible precepts and 
 promise, " Faith and Duty." The children were 
 very quiet and orderly for so large a party ; but 
 before long, Louis became sensible of a great 
 coldness and apathy in most of the pupils and 
 teachers. The Church catechism and their duties 
 as baptized members of the Church of England 
 were the great things insisted upon with the elder 
 boys, and accuracy in spelling with the younger ; 
 and no attempt seemed made to interest the 
 younger children by relating to them some of 
 those sweet stories of Jesu's love, which the very 
 babe can understand from the lips that love the 
 task. Louis thought there might be some little 
 constraint from his presence, and he stopped 
 before a class of half a dozen little ones, all under 
 seven years old, taught by one of the older pupils 
 and seating himself on the form behind them, 
 took one upon each knee. The children looked 
 shyly up in his face, and then, with that unerring- 
 instinct of childhood, smiled at one another, and 
 the rest of the little class nestled closer to him. 
 They had each of them a paper with monosyllable* 
 of four letters, which they were slowly and pain- 
 fully spelling to their teacher. Louis took one of 
 the papers, and glancing down the columns, turned 
 to them cheerfully, and said, 
 " Who can spell r/ood?"
 
 DAS II WOOD PRIORY. 385 
 
 One child slowly and carefully performed the 
 required task. 
 
 •• Now ally" he said quickly. But the others 
 were at fault ; so telling them all to listen, Louis 
 made the senior repeat it again, and then they 
 were all to trv together. 
 
 " And now, don't forget it, while I tell you 
 something about the good Saviour, the good 
 Shepherd." 
 
 He asked them some little questions about the 
 meaning of "good," showing them that they had 
 naughty hearts, and that onlv God could make 
 them good ; and then they were asked to spell 
 the word again, and Louis told them about Jesus 
 blessing the little children. He was distressed to 
 find that they hardly knew that precious name ; 
 and before he went away, he turned to the account 
 in his pocket Bible, and putting it into the hands 
 of the teacher, desired him to teach them that 
 se, "Suffer the little children to come 
 unto me;" as he left them, he looked kindly on 
 tie little on< s. 
 
 •■ I hope you will take a great deal of pains to 
 
 rn that verse for me ; 1 will hear it ne\t 
 Sunday, if God keeps us all alive. Yon wiH not 
 forget how to spell good now ; and remember, if 
 wr want to be good, we inn-, pi-ax to the good 
 l :d Jesus, who has said, ' Suffer the Little 
 
 children to come unto me.' " 
 
 lie then summoned the two upper classes to 
 the master's desk, desiring them to bring their
 
 386 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Bibles. He took the Epistle and Gospel, and 
 went carefully through both before church-time, 
 keeping up the attention of his pupils by judi- 
 cious questions and happy remarks. He was, on 
 the whole, pleased with their answers. 
 
 One innovation Louis ventured to carry out 
 this clay, after some demurs about the propriety of 
 altering anything in Trevannion's absence, and 
 blaming himself much for not speaking of it 
 when arranging his duties, and this was, of 
 desiring that the candles should not be lighted on 
 the communion-table until further orders. It 
 was a busy and happy Sunday. He preached 
 twice that day : and such was the effect of the 
 new, warm declarations heard there, that in a few 
 Sundays the congregation would bear a small 
 comparison even with that of Mr. Strangeways. 
 Ah, there is nothing that will supply the place of 
 the pure Gospel. Untainted yet with the errors 
 around him, Louis was gladly heard, and the poor 
 and ignorant retired from church talking together, 
 and praising God for all they had heard. 
 
 It must not be supposed that Nevinson's ser- 
 mons were of the same class of those of Trevan- 
 nion ; but he was not naturally so gifted as Louis 
 as a preacher, and his tincture of error was carried 
 sometimes through his discourses enough to drive 
 away the more critical and spiritually minded. 
 Louis was run after, and it was dangerous ; but 
 as long as he kept humble, fearing lest he should 
 be carried away by man's praise ; as long as he
 
 DASHW00D PKIORT. 3S7 
 
 came from the clo-ct to the pulpit, he was not 
 puffed up ; but only felt the more, that " Paul 
 may plant, and Apollos water, but God alone can 
 give the increase/' Nevinson did not fail to 
 inform Trevannion of the increase of his congre- 
 gation ; and Trevannion, satisfied for the present, 
 and ignorant of part of the cause, expressed his 
 gratification thereat in very polite terms to his 
 substitutes. There A\as one concession, besides 
 turning to the east, which Louis was prevailed 
 upon to make to the prejudices of his friend, — that 
 of preaching in the Burplice. It was against his 
 inclination, and he saw no harm in the thing 
 itself; but surely it was something like a second 
 p in the wrong direction — something like the 
 " appearance of evil." 
 
 o r o
 
 388 DASHW00D PRIORY. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 " It is impossible but that offences must come ; but woo unto 
 them by whom they come." — Luke xvii. 1. 
 
 We have already remarked that Louis' previous 
 acquaintance with a country school had not pre- 
 pared him for the different aspect of a large town 
 one. This remark will equally apply to the whole 
 parish. Louis felt as if he had never known a 
 minister's responsibility before. In Dashwood, 
 for vears under constant and careful supervision, 
 the young had grown up Avith him, and the small 
 population and few temptations had kept them 
 comparatively innocent. But here, excepting a 
 couple of streets of respectable inhabitants, was a 
 square mass of three thousand poor ignorant 
 human beings, many living in small courts and 
 alleys, of such utter filth and wretchedness, that 
 this very circumstance alone seemed an insuper- 
 able bar to all hope for improvement. The aspect 
 of whole courts seemed to be sullen apathy and 
 reckless depravity. The young minister's heart 
 yearned over them, and sank at the almost over- 
 whelming amount of his joint cure. Everywhere 
 distress seemed calling out, "Come over and help 
 us ;" and how could he do it effectually ? lie could
 
 DASHWOOD ritioiiv. .l^l) 
 
 not see want and nakedness and not relieve it to 
 The utmost of his power, but often, after emptying 
 his purse on some apparently wretched objects, he 
 found all had been spent in drink, and at his next 
 visit the recipients no better for his bounty. It 
 needed all Nevinson's previous experience to 
 prevent a lavish expenditure of Louis' means on 
 worthless objects. 
 
 " How can I go and tell of the love of Jesus, 
 anil of his boundless compassion/' he urged; "of 
 lii^ constant readiness to hear and help, if I show an 
 indifference to those very troubles that often hinder 
 them from listening? I often think, Xevinson, ol 
 the remark of a poor woman to a gentleman who 
 \\as urging on her the necessity of preparation for 
 another world. ' Ah, sir ! if you were as cold and 
 hungry as I am, you could not listen.' What a 
 difference cold and fatigue makes on our own 
 feelings, Xevinson; we forget far too often, when 
 we are with others, how dependent the mind is 
 often on the body." 
 
 Louis said tin- with tears in his eves, and Ne- 
 vinson proceeded to show him ol' the many ways 
 m which he could supply relief more efficaciously. 
 lie told him many little scents ol' Ins wife's 
 
 household management in preparing soups and 
 clothing in the cold weather, of coal tickets and 
 
 Clothing clubs, and Lending clubs and : - .minus 
 lor distribution of incut, and tor supplying work; 
 i, finally, Louis decided on tr i \ i i m; money cauti- 
 ously, and whenever it was practicable, to consult.
 
 390 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 before giving relief, with his judicious friends on 
 the best way of affording it to the distress which 
 constant^ presented itself. 
 
 Mr. Wells did not lose sight of our hero, and 
 often especially invited him to his house, beside 
 the general invitation he had at first given ; but 
 there was something there that Louis never seemed 
 to get over. His warmth for Nevinson was always 
 in the ascendant, and Mr. Wells's bold and some- 
 what hot invectives against " Freewillers " and 
 " Arminians," always seemed to have an indirect 
 leaning to his friends, and kept him in a constant 
 >>tate of hostility to all Mr. Wells and his favourite 
 preacher advanced. He was always contrasting 
 the two with Nevinson in his mind, always feeling 
 that he felt more spiritually minded when with 
 his own friend ; and the consequence was at last, 
 in his zeal for Nevinson, he almost insensibly 
 imbibed some of his erroneous opinions, his zeal 
 and veneration for the apostolic succession, and 
 his views of sacramental efficacy greatly increas- 
 ing; and though the constant communion in 
 which he lived guarded him from losing sight of 
 Christ crucified, it sometimes tinged his sermons 
 with a little obscurity, and confused the poor, 
 among whom with Nevinson he laboured so in- 
 defatigably. Nevinson' s constant correspondence 
 with Trevannion afforded him an opportunity of 
 alluding to Louis' strengthened mind, as he termed 
 that which was too sadly a proof of his Aveakncss. 
 
 His veneration for ecclesiastical forms was
 
 DA SQWOOS PEK • S'Jl 
 
 gradually increasing so much, that he was seri- 
 ously considering t he expediency of listening to 
 vannion's oft-repeated wish of intoning the 
 service. 
 
 Among other places which Louis constantly 
 visited w as an almshouse, where he met with some 
 interesting Christians. When his new ideas were 
 becoming sufficiently strengthened to be at all 
 p< rceptible, he, while paying a visit to one of the 
 old worn* n, had been in a confused manner insist- 
 ing on the efficacy of baptism, when the aged 
 saint, respectfully laying her withered hand on 
 his arm, said, — 
 
 u Sir, days should speak. May I make so bold 
 
 as to speak. I am an old woman, near heaven, I 
 
 hope, not so learned as yon, sir; but Balaam's ass 
 
 i the Lord chose, once reproved the prophet." 
 
 Don't be afraid, Smith/' he said, smiling. 
 
 What reproof have you to administer now? " 
 
 "No, dear sir," she replied, while a tear sprang 
 to her eye, "I know God's grace keeps you too 
 humble to despise the words even of the poor and 
 ien irant. Sir, when von come to warm the heart 
 of the redeemed tinner, and when you want to 
 
 lead the unthinking sinner, tell them all of Christ's 
 lOTC, as you used. Don't tell them of the Chureh 
 of England, and how they may win heaven by 
 
 keeping the Commandments, as Borne do, so- ; not 
 
 IT. Tell them, as you used to tell them, 
 that they are lost, helpless sinners, and can do 
 
 nothing to Bave then:- -Ives. They won't feel the 

 
 392 DASHWOOD PItlOllY. 
 
 blessing of baptism till they are made new crea- 
 tures. Oh ! my dear gentleman, my heart has 
 been praying for you night and morning since 
 you came among us like an angel sent from God. 
 Our hearts rejoiced when we first heard you in 
 the church. I mind the text : it was, ' He said 
 unto me, It is done/ Oh ! sir, we love you and 
 dear Mr. Nevinson dearly. Dear Mr. Nevinson, 
 his sweet face does one good, and his kind voice. 
 I am as glad to see him as if he put a pound 
 in my hand. Oh ! sir, Mr. Trevannion 's very 
 far gone. God keep you and Mr. Nevinson from 
 that." 
 
 Louis did not turn proudly away, as Trevannion 
 would have done, at the idea of an old woman 
 presuming to speak in such a manner to him, an 
 ordained minister of " the Church," nor quietly, 
 with a grave, reproving air, as Nevinson perhaps 
 might have done ; but something seemed to say 
 she Avas right ; something within him yearned for 
 the old bright feeling before he meddled with con- 
 troversy; and sweetly thanking the old woman 
 for her anxiety, with a little rebuke at her men- 
 tion of Trevannion to him, he read her a chapter, 
 and heard her talk of her favourite texts and 
 hymns, and after praying with her, took his 
 leave.
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 393 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 " Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee, in whose 
 heart are Thy ways ; who passing through the valley of Baca, 
 maketh it a well, the rain also filleth the pools. O Lord of 
 Hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee ! " — Ps. lxxxiv. 
 
 " Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I 
 Bend ? and who will go for OS 1 Then said I, Here am I : send 
 me."— Is. vi. 8. 
 
 Summer had come. Louis' health was now quite 
 re-established, aud the time of his engagement 
 had already expired ; but he waited from week to 
 week for Trevannion's return. It was now daily 
 expected, and Louis walked occasionally to the 
 railway-station from the almshouses which were 
 in its vicinity, at the hour the onlv train arrived 
 by which he could conic. The parishioners, rich 
 and poor, had become greatly attached to him, 
 and were truly sorry at the prospect of losing 
 him, the school children especially looking upon 
 their gentle pastor as their friend, — for he had 
 mixed so much among them, and h;id so earnest l\ 
 
 sought their welfare. H had hen his custom to 
 
 have them, both boys and girls, by a class at a 
 
 tunc, to spend the evening once a week with him, 
 when his housekeeper provided a nice tea, and 
 presided at the entertainment, assisting as well in
 
 394 D.VSIIWOOD rillOKY. 
 
 tlie kinocent games that followed. Louis always 
 drew them round the fire or table before they 
 parted, and told them a Bible story ; and many 
 were the precious texts and sweet hymns with 
 which he stored their minds from time to time; 
 visiting their homes — as he did constantly, — he 
 learned much respecting their habits and charac- 
 ters, their opportunities of doing right and temp- 
 tation to do wrong, that he was enabled to improve 
 to their advantage, seeking to impress upon each 
 one his individual responsibility in using the 
 talent committed to his or her charge. Knowing 
 how short his time was among them, he was most 
 anxious to improve his own aright. There was, 
 however, something in his tone and manner more 
 careful and anxious than when he first came to 
 
 E ; he did not know that the increasing 
 
 influence of the doctrines to which he insensibly 
 leaned was doing its sure work in robbing him 
 temporarily of his confidence and joy ; but as yet 
 thev were not sufficiently his own to creats any 
 apprehension in his congregation as to his sound- 
 ness. It is written in the Word of God, " God is 
 faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted 
 above that ye are able, but will with the tempta- 
 tion make a way to escape, that ye may be able to 
 bear it." And again, " They that wait on the 
 Lord shall renew their strength." The time was 
 come that the band of error was to be broken 
 from him, and the film to be removed from his 
 eyes, that he might see on what a precipice he 

 
 DASHWOOD PUIOHY. 
 
 I been standing, and how Burely his feet had 
 
 i saved from falling. 
 One Saturday oon Louis was expect i 
 
 larger party than usual of the school children to 
 
 . as a sort of farewell visit, and Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 . inson had promised to come and help do 
 the honours. Louis strolled on the railway plat- 
 form for t lie second or third time. The train he 
 came to meet arrived almost immediately, but 
 there was no Trevannion ; and, after looking about 
 a few minutes, he wi ing to retire, when his 
 attention was arrested by a fig 
 him. The white neckcloth proclaim! clerical 
 
 capacity, and a mourning hand, covering the hat 
 to within half an inch of the top, told a tale of 
 bereavement. The stranger was looking after 
 sjage, and turning his head in Louis' 
 direction, revealed a pleasant, gentleman! 
 perfectly well known, and yet Louis could not for 
 an instant recall it. There was an expression of 
 placid resignation that seemed to speak a volume 
 
 i chastened spirit and of sanctified affliction. 
 Presently he turned round again to speak to one 
 of the porters, and this time Louis 1 mystification 
 vanished. 
 
 " It must be Meredith/' he said, walk 
 quickly up to him. " Meredith ! this 
 unexpected pleasure." 
 
 •• It is," replied his old friend, heartily shaking 
 
 his hand ; " 1 did not exped to m. , t you SO E K)U, 
 
 ugh I was coming to see you. I am passing
 
 396 dasiiwood priory. 
 
 through, and had previously arranged to spend the 
 night with you, if you could accommodate me." 
 
 " That I can most conveniently, as I have a 
 large house to myself. Why, what a long time it 
 is since we heard of you ! It must be nearly a 
 twelvemonth. I think vou are a worse scribe 
 than we are. I shall be so glad to hear about you. 
 I expect your story will be a parallel to my friend 
 Nevinson's happiness. Here is a coach already, 
 and your luggage in." 
 
 They entered, and, as Louis seated himself 
 opposite his friend, he continued : 
 
 " How came you in these parts? Where arc 
 you going?" 
 
 " That's a long story," he said, smiling such a 
 sweet sorrowful smile that Louis looked wonder- 
 ingly. 
 
 " I am going to London, and thence to 
 Africa." 
 
 " You to Africa, Meredith ! You, leave your 
 happy home ! Why, what does Mrs. Meredith 
 say to that, does she go with you? " 
 
 Louis repented the abrupt question, and won- 
 dered at his want of thought, as his friend's face 
 turned ashy pale, and an expression of great pain 
 passed over it. He replied, however, with toler- 
 able calmness, — 
 
 " Her memory does. Did you not get my 
 letter ? " 
 
 " Indeed, I did not !" exclaimed Louis, seizing 
 his friend's hand. " My dear Meredith, my dear
 
 DASHWOOD PHIORV. 397 
 
 Meredith ! how indifferent you must have thought 
 
 inc." 
 
 " I did not write it myself/' answered Meredith, 
 in a low voice; "perhaps there was some mistake 
 about the address. I don't know how it was." 
 
 He turned away his head, and leaned out of 
 the window a minute or two, as if watching the 
 motion of the wheels, while Louis sat looking at 
 him in sympathizing Bilence. At length he drew 
 in his head, and, pointing to the new church, 
 asked if that wen- St. Margaret's ; and, on Louis's 
 affirmatory reply, admired it much. 
 
 " Have you much duty ?" 
 
 " Yes ; prayers twice every day, and three ser- 
 vices on Sunday, besides two weekly and one 
 Sunday service at the almshouse chapel." 
 
 • A great deal of work," said Meredith. "I 
 fancy we country parsons know little of work. 
 Have you many poor?" 
 
 Louis was beginning to L r ive some information 
 on the siate of the poor, when the fly Btopped a1 
 the vicarage-house jus! as the party of children 
 entered. As the gentlemen dismounted, Louis 
 mentioned his juvenile gathering, asking if 
 Meredith would object to it. 
 
 '•' It will be over at eight, and we can join them 
 or not, as vou like, after v<>u have dined. I 
 always dine early, as I find it more convenient ; 
 bul my hdusekeeper will soon something for 
 
 you, if \uu will excuse the extemporaneous 
 nature of the entertainment."
 
 398 DASHWOOD PRIOllY. 
 
 " I thank you, I have already dined, and shall 
 enjoy your little party as much as you will." 
 
 The housekeeper received prompt orders to 
 make everything ready for the unexpected visitor, 
 and before long Mr. and Mrs. Nevinson arrived, 
 and they all went in to the children. There was 
 as little constraint as possible in the presence of 
 the stranger, for he was soon one among them, 
 and though not quite so active and lively 
 as the others, performed his share in the enter- 
 tainments. When the children had had tea, 
 Louis took his friends into another room, where 
 the same repast was provided for them, leaving 
 the children to two servants' care till they were 
 ready to return. At half-past seven he assem- 
 bled them, reminded them of the approaching 
 Sabbath, and when they had sung the Saturday 
 night's hymn, he sent them home, giving them 
 a text to remember for the next day. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Nevinson took their leave shortly after, but 
 not before the former had obtained the promise 
 of a sermon from Meredith for the next morning. 
 Meredith readily complied, though Louis urged 
 his fatigue. 
 
 Meredith seemed much pleased with Louis'" 
 friend as well as with his school fete ; he did 
 not again allude to his recent loss, though in 
 their quiet conversation he gave Louis a detail 
 of his plans of operations as missionary under 
 the auspices of the Church Missionary Society, 
 and there was an eagerness and anxiety for the
 
 DAS II WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 prosperity of the great cause about him, which 
 was most refreshing to our hero — like a Btrain of 
 old familiar music long since forgotten, for liis 
 own in in the Missionary cause had been 
 
 considerably deadened while at E ; neitl 
 
 Trevannion nor Nevinson patronizing the Church 
 Missionary Society, and Mr. Wells seemingly in- 
 different about any missions at all. 
 
 Mc redith's whole spirit seemed to say with the 
 willing prophets of old, " Here am I, send ra 
 Oh, how one zealous soul stirs up others, and 
 how the lukewarm is those in his spin 
 
 of action. " "We are not our own, we arc bought 
 with a price." Time, talents, words, though -. 
 ons, and influence arc all II is. 
 
 The old schoolfellows retired early that night, 
 but not before Meredith had asked many particu- 
 lars about his dear friends at Dashwood. 
 
 Louis knelt Ion-- in heartfelt prayer for his 
 afflicted friend; but he knew not how much 
 longer Meredith walked up and down his room, 
 and bent prostrate before the Throne of dr. 
 for strength to bear cheerfully his great to 
 
 for balm to soothe the wound that had that day 
 
 been roughly opened; and not till he could say, 
 
 '• Thy will be done," and could look up smilii 
 amid tears, in faith, to the bright mansions pre- 
 pared for the beloved of God, did he tie down; 
 when he soon fell into a BWeel slumber, in pose - 
 •ion of that peace which the world can ncii 
 nor take away !
 
 400 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 The Sundav school the next morning; left Louis 
 but little time with Meredith before the morning 
 service at church. Meredith called for him at the 
 school, and they walked together to church. Me- 
 redith was very silent, and as thev entered the 
 beautiful building he looked very carefully around. 
 Louis led him up the centre aisle to the chancel, 
 and had he been on the watch would have noticed 
 many a change of expression pass over his face; 
 admiration, enthusiasm, and then a bolder, loftier 
 glance, that settled into something of a sorrowful 
 gaze, as they trod the marble chancel. He did 
 not speak, however, even to admire the monu- 
 mental window, though he paused a moment be- 
 fore it. Following Louis into the vestry, he laid 
 his Bible, and a closely- written manuscript, on the 
 table. Nevinson was there, and while the clerk was 
 assisting all three, Meredith asked if he should 
 assist in the communion service. 
 
 " You have both hard work this morning, and I 
 shall be able to try the church before preaching." 
 
 " Thank you, I shall be much obliged to you," 
 replied Louis; "but I dare say you know what it 
 is never to feel tired till the work is over. Head- 
 ing prayers is always a refreshment." 
 
 While thej r proceeded in state to their stalls, 
 Meredith gravely watched the train of surpliced 
 singers, and once or twice during the service his 
 eyes turned with a serious scrutinizing gaze from 
 Louis to Nevinson, and back again, and seemingly 
 insensible to the general move to the cast in the
 
 DASH WOO I) PRIORY. U)] 
 
 Creed, I13 stood still facing the north. As he and 
 N vinson left the communion-table, and retired 
 to the vestry, he threw off his surplice, and begged 
 to borrow a gown. Nevinson politely suggested 
 to him their custom of using the surplice. Mere- 
 dith hesitated a moment. 
 
 " Well, 1 suppose 1 must not break your rules/' 
 he answered, " as 1 am an interloper for this 
 Sunday. There is no more harm in one than the 
 other. It is but a party badge. I am afraid," he 
 added, with a little colour, "we are both taken 
 by surprise. You will a1 any rate forgive me 
 alter my confession, and we shall not respect each 
 other the less." 
 
 A cloud passed o-er Nevinson'a face. He made 
 no reply ;>> Meredith donned the surplice again, 
 and declining a second time the proffer from the 
 clerk, of a cap originally belonging to Trevannion, 
 proceeded to the pulpit, followed by a few anxious 
 and lather displeased looks from his colleague. 
 There was a depth in the silent petition he olJ'ercd 
 for strength to preach, and for ;i blessing on the 
 wind preached, which none present knew, 1 hough 
 the power of that petition was visible in the force 
 with which his bold discourse came home to the 
 hearts of many that day. 
 
 Louis folded his arms, and sal back with earnest 
 
 attention to hear what his friend would Bay. 
 I heard. 
 ' \nd Paul stood in the midsl of Mars' hill, 
 
 and said, Ye men of Athens, 1 perceive that in all 
 
 2 i)
 
 402 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed 
 by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar 
 with this inscription : to the unknown God. 
 "Whom, therefore, ye ignorantly worship, Him 
 declare I unto you." 
 
 Nevinson glanced uneasily at Louis, and found 
 Louis' eyes fixed on him. They coloured, and, 
 prepared again to listen, Louis with more curiosity 
 than displeasure, and Nevinson rather angry and 
 exceedingly annoyed, expecting an invective 
 against Pusevism. Yet before ten minutes had 
 elapsed, the attention of both was so riveted that 
 the anger and curiosity were equally forgotten. 
 Meredith commenced quietly, as if he were un- 
 conscious that the erroneous doctrines to which 
 he alluded in the course of his sermon, were held 
 by his hearers, with a slight view of the whole of 
 the chapter, and then with the wonderful effect 
 which Paul's " new doctrines " must have pro- 
 duced on the curious Athenians. He then, with- 
 out a pause, as one who had the mastery of his 
 subject, drew a spiritual parallel in the state of 
 the Athenians to that of many nominal Chris- 
 tians. And this he did without the slightest tinge 
 of personality. Turning to several passages in 
 Galatians, he spoke on the obligation entailed 
 on all who considered the observance of the law 
 necessary to salvation, and drawing a rapid and 
 forcible distinction between the Jewish and Chris- 
 tian dispensation, mentioned the confusion that 
 existed in the minds of many Christians as to the
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOB.Y. 
 
 division of the two. Tiicn taking up the last part 
 of his text, " Whom ye ignorantly worship, Him 
 declare I unto you," he hurst into a glowing 
 Bcription of the unalterable covenant of grace; 
 and here it seemed as if he had hurst the restraint 
 the more argumentative part of his discourse had 
 imposed. It was heartfelt experience and joyful 
 trust of that unchangeable love he sought to exalt : 
 " This is my friend and my beloved, the chiefest 
 among ten thousand." At times he leaned upon 
 the pulpit cushion, and seemed lost for words to 
 express the joyful, glorious sense he had of His 
 abiding love. " How different was that spirit of 
 childlike confidence and willing obedience/' he 
 said, "to the spirit of bondage which deemed it 
 necessary to win its salvation by the observance 
 of the rigid law — vain hope ! The law said, ' The 
 soul that sinneth it shall die;' Christ is not a half 
 Sai When he had dwelt on the comfort 
 
 and inexpressible happiness of him who has found 
 Christ, of his comfort in sorrow, and lastly, his 
 hope in the world to come, he concluded with a 
 grave warning to those who might in a cavilling 
 spirit accuse him of encouraging laxity in works. 
 
 "Shall we sin, that grace may abound?" showing 
 
 that he who has been taught of the Spirit, and is 
 a true believer, cannot wilfully sin; that faith 
 without works is a dead faith, hut the living faith 
 
 will ever work by love. 
 
 Nevinson had fa a his anger i there had 
 
 been nothing which reflected personally on bim 
 
 3 ii "
 
 40-t DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 or Louis, and the glowing, glorious Gospel decla- 
 ration found a response in his heart. Louis sat 
 almost as much absorbed as he had been by 
 Mr. Strangeways' discourse. But the sermon 
 Avas over, the simple benediction had been pro- 
 nounced, the organ pealed forth, and the congre- 
 gation dispersed to wonder who had preached; 
 some to profit, others to criticise his voice, style, 
 and doctrine, and to lose all advantage; others, 
 resumins: their worldlv business as soon as thev 
 were beyond the church-doors, forgot the sounds 
 as soon as they ceased. Others heard and re- 
 joiced ; but the good seed sown withered, for it 
 was sown on stony ground. Ah, how often may 
 we mourn with the vcarninsr minister of God — 
 Avho has felt as if he would die, if his people 
 might believe the words at his mouth — in the 
 words of the prophet Ezekiel, — 
 
 "They come unto thee as my people cometh, 
 and my people sit before thee, and they hear my 
 Avords, but thev will not do them : for with their 
 mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth 
 after covetousness. And lo ! thou art unto them 
 as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant 
 A'oice, and can play Avell on an instrument : for 
 thev hear thy Avords, but theA' do them not/' 
 
 Nevinson and Louis both thanked Meredith 
 for his sermon, but there Avas a degree of con- 
 straint in Ncvinson's manner. He declined 
 Louis' invitation to dine, and bade him and 
 Meredith adieu at the vestry-door. Meredith
 
 DA8HW00D I'KIORY. 405 
 
 and Louis returned to the vicarage, where a cold 
 dinner awaited them. Their conversation was 
 Mich as becometli saints. 
 
 " They spuku of Him they loved." 
 
 And though Louis said but little of Meredith's 
 sermon, he thought much, and portions were 
 constantlv recurring to his mind in the course of 
 the dav. The bands by which lie had lately been 
 lightly held, seemed all at once to have burst, 
 and the joyousness of spirit which these new 
 reflections called forth at times, made him hardly 
 know where he was. Meredith read prayers for 
 him in the afternoon; and he almost wondered 
 why he left out one or two remarks that had been 
 written down in his sermon. When afternoon 
 -i i vice was over, the friends went together to visit 
 a sick parishioner; and after a short rest and tea 
 at home, there was the evening service; and it 
 was not till nearly nine o'clock that, with their 
 little supper before them in Trevannion's library, 
 they were alone for any purposes of conversation. 
 Louis was rather tired, and said little until prayers 
 were ended. He asked Meredith to perform this 
 service for him; and when the servants left then: 
 alone again, he suddenly threw himself into an 
 : i in-ehair, and said abruptly, — 
 
 "Meredith, what made you choose that text 
 to-day ? You took me quite by surprise. Sfou do 
 not always preach extempore; 1 suppose?" 
 
 "What makes you think 1 preached extem- 
 pore?" asked Meredith.
 
 40G DASinvoon priory. 
 
 " I am sure you did/' replied Louis, with a 
 slight smile. " I just now peeped into that neat 
 manuscript you took out of your pocket. You 
 did not preach on any text in Isaiah to-day." 
 
 Meredith coloured a little ; hut he saw Louis 
 was not offended, and answered, — 
 
 " I once before preached on that text, and 
 remembering the heads of my sermon, was able 
 to preach without notes ; I hope without much 
 confusion. I seldom write my sermons fully 
 out." 
 
 "But why did you change your text?" per- 
 sisted Louis. 
 
 Meredith looked very earnestly at Louis, with- 
 out answering. 
 
 "What made you think you were among 
 idolaters?" 
 
 " Is not that recollection always applicable in 
 a mixed congregation?" asked Meredith, still 
 looking at Louis. " Arc there not always many 
 who worship God ignorantly ? My dear Louis, I 
 cannot tell you how grieved I always am when I 
 see those good tidings of great joy, ignorantly 
 covered up by legal bondage, or human obser- 
 vances ; and it is often done by those who are very 
 zealous for God's glory." 
 
 " But why did you change it?" persisted Louis. 
 " Because you think we ignorantly worship God? 
 But tell me, Meredith, what is there wrong in 
 reverence for those things set apart for holy 
 purposes ? There is and has been a great deal of
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 laxity and indifference to her principles, within 
 the wry heart of the Church of England her- 
 self — indifference to God's glory.'' 
 
 " If you define God's glory to consist in church 
 decorations, and chancel-screens, and turning to 
 the cast, and reading the prayers where the con- 
 gregation cannot hear them, I think the greater 
 laxity the better/ 1 
 
 "Well, I did not like the reading-desk arrange- 
 ment, I own," said Louis ; " but why quarrel with 
 church decorations ? Will not a reverential mind 
 delight to adorn the house of his God, to show all 
 possible honour to His sanctuary?" 
 
 "Certainly, no one can blame a reverence for 
 sacred things ; and if they are founded on a right 
 basis, it will not go too far," replied Meredith; 
 "hut these errors began with church decorations, 
 and the spiritually-minded look jealously upon 
 the lavish expenditure of it." 
 
 Now, as 1 do not mean to make my little 
 volume a \ehiele for doctrinal discussion, I pass 
 over the Ion-- conversation that ensued on the 
 Baptismal service and the Church articles. Louis 
 battled for some time in defence of his later views, 
 but at last acknowledged his friend's superior 
 wisdom. Meredith concluded byremarking, — 
 
 "The Sigh-church party accuse tin- Evange- 
 lical of narrow-mindedness; hut the truth 
 air hound by no sect. We can say, 'Grace be 
 with all thai love the Lord Jesus Christ in sin- 
 cerity;' while the High Churchman will not go
 
 408 DASIIWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 beyond the narrow limits of that portion of the 
 Church of Christ to which he is ordained minister, 
 unless he accord the same grace to the Romanist, 
 by virtue of his Apostolic succession, in preference 
 to the Dissenter, who, in truth, professes the same 
 faith, though he changes the form of worship." 
 
 "Oh, Meredith!" exclaimed Louis, starting from 
 his chair, " I am very unstable. I see how it is : / 
 who was going to do so much here — I have been 
 perverted, at least almost perverted myself. I wish 
 I had not left Dashwood. I have had nothing but 
 controversy ever since ; first on one side, and then 
 on the other. What good does it ever to any one ? 
 why cannot we believe in all our Saviour has done 
 for us, without calling ourselves Calvinist or 
 Arminian ? I knew, to be sure, the existence of 
 such differences, but they were nothing to me ; 
 and I have been neither happier nor more useful 
 since I have been forced into these arguments. 
 Why must men be eternally arguing on point- 
 which they never can understand ? " 
 
 " And yet, I think a clergyman must make 
 himself acquainted with doctrinal differences," 
 replied Meredith, " or else he will allow himself 
 and his flock with him to be blown about with 
 every wind of doctrine ; and even controversy has 
 its uses. Men, with all their indolence and lukc- 
 warmncss, might in many cases cease to search 
 their Bibles diligently, if these disputed points did 
 not rouse them to examination and self-defence. 
 We arc commanded to prove all things, and to
 
 DASH WOO I) 1'KIOKV. lU'J 
 
 have <in answer for every one that asketh u* a rea- 
 son of the hope thai is in us." 
 
 Louis was silent, and Meredith sat intently 
 watching the changing expression and flitting 
 colour of his downcast face. Presently he raised 
 his head, and spoke hurriedly, and with much 
 i motion. 
 
 " But, oh, Meredith ! lor that childlike spirit 
 that made David say, ' Lord. I have not exercised 
 myself in matters that arc too great for me.' I 
 do not want to know more than God teaches me 
 
 Himself." 
 
 "Well, that i< right," said Meredith, gently. 
 What then ? Does that militate against your 
 making yourself sure on those points which Clod 
 lias revealed ? M 
 
 " No ; hut may we not sometimes go further, 
 or try to go further, than God has revealed, 
 Meredith'.'" he added, with large glistening eyes. 
 "1 never imagined such thoughts as have been 
 put into my mind lately. I am not strong enough 
 nor culm enough for hard matters, and God's own 
 Word Bays, ' H no that i^ weak in the faith receive 
 
 ve, hut not to doubtful disputations.' 
 
 "Hut what hard matters distress you now?" 
 said Meredith. " 1 thought we had settled all the 
 doubtful points." 
 
 "No; when those arc quieted, the bardesi rise. 
 If I have gone wrong, Meredith, I owe it, humanly 
 -peaking, to quite an opposite influence. Mere- 
 dith, an' \ou a Calvinist ? "'
 
 410 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 " I am not very fond of the names of Calvinist 
 and Arminian/' replied Meredith, gravely; " I 
 believe that man is saved by God's grace alone, 
 and that the faith by which he believes, is like- 
 wise solely His gift ; that without His spirit help- 
 ing us, we can perform no good work ; that He 
 has loved us with an everlasting love, and there- 
 fore with loving-kindness He has drawn us. I 
 believe, in short, dear Louis, what the Bible says, 
 and I trust I try to receive all in a child-like 
 spirit; and as a child cannot be made to under- 
 stand many things he gradually learns as he 
 reaches manhood, so I believe there are many 
 things we could not understand, even if God chose 
 to reveal them to us, and my mind quietly rests 
 there, thankful for the love that has given me 
 salvation, and content to understand why, when 
 God pleases to teach me ; and if He never see fit 
 to teach me more of His secret things, to rest 
 confidently on His unerring wisdom and unfailing 
 love." 
 
 " And that is just where I wish to rest, Mere- 
 dith," said Louis, in a low voice; "but lately, I 
 have not been allowed to do so. I have been 
 forced into controversy on those mysterious arti- 
 cles, Free will, and God's Sovereignty ; and I have 
 been constantly pushed so far, and dictated to so 
 dogmatically, that whenever the subject has been 
 mentioned to me, it has caused an aching, trem- 
 bling sensation, and made me feel farther from ray 
 Saviour; and I have seen this doctrine, in more
 
 D v -iiwooD puio; 1 1 I 
 
 than one instance, so little productive of charity 
 and lovely conversation, that it has been no 
 wonder if I have, whether in a spirit of opposition 
 I know not, been influenced the other way. '1 he 
 manner in which this doctrine has been urged 
 upon me, has been such that it created a repug- 
 nance and rebellion where noni d previously, 
 and has naturally made me flv to those in whom 
 I have found more visibly the fruits of the Spirit, — 
 ' Love, long-suffering, goodness, meekness, gentle- 
 
 ia;' and these are no eminently conspicuous in 
 dear Nevinson, that I suppose my heart through 
 him, became inclined, without knowing it, to cm- 
 brace his errors, where joined to so much piety." 
 
 "But who are you speaking of?'' asked Mere- 
 dith. "What do you mean'!'" 
 
 "Some very extreme Calvinists whom I have 
 lately met," replied Louis. " One is an old friend 
 of my fat! ud I came here with a feeling of 
 
 \ aeration and reaped for him, and this was 
 greatly increased by his pleasant manners and 
 kind attention to me on mj arrival. At bis house 
 I became acquainted with a young clergyman, 
 
 v. ho holds a chapel of ease here. I had heard 
 
 Mr. Strangeways preach, and «as quite delighted 
 at the proepeci of knowing him. Since then, 1 
 have been so grievously disappointed at never 
 bearing, < ither from his lips or tfa ins Hock, 
 
 whom I have met from time to time, any sw< 
 conversation on the love of Christ and on our duties 
 as members of His body, and yet so much vitu-
 
 112 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 peration against all who differ from them, that I 
 cannot tell you how angry I have sometimes felt, 
 when I returned from their company, where they 
 had had the had taste to speak to me of my friends, 
 to hear Nevinson's sweet remarks on them ; to 
 see how closelv Nevinson endeavours to walk, how 
 careful he is not to hring dishonour on the religion 
 he professes. Is it wonderful I should listen to 
 Nevinson and be willing to be persuaded by him?" 
 
 " But has there been no pride and self-will in 
 vourself, Louis ? " 
 
 " I know it ; I know it," said Louis, excitedly 
 walking to the window and back ; " so much that 
 I was often afraid ; and yet, Meredith, I often 
 prayed, ' That which I see not, teach Thou me.' " 
 
 " And the prayer will be answered, dear Louis, 
 rest assured," said Meredith, kindly. " God only 
 can teach His own things, and ' He that believeth 
 shall not make haste/ " 
 
 " How often I am reminded of that passage," 
 said Louis, thoughtfully. " And so I would wish 
 to wait patiently ; but is it not strange, Meredith, 
 that believing that none but the elect can believe, 
 and that no man can convince another, this party 
 should attempt to force a conviction on me which, 
 supposing it be a right one, it is utterly impossible 
 man's unaided reason can believe ? " 
 
 " It is strange, and inconsistent too," replied 
 Meredith ; "but we are a mass of inconsistencies. 
 A dear friend of mine used to say, ' Great zeal and 
 great judgment would make a perfect character.'
 
 n.vsHwooi) priory. 413 
 
 You cannot expect it. You must not forget how 
 much of our natural character we carry into 
 religion." 
 
 "I can go with my lather's friend a certain 
 distance," said Louis; "but he goes beyond ine ; 
 he sets God's electing sovereignty first, and thinks 
 nothing of any moment but that ; and there seems 
 to me a majesty but n<> tenderness in Ins view; a 
 sternness that makes me tremble. If I believed 
 as lie docs, I could not preach. It is fatalism to 
 me. I do not wonder his favourite preachers 
 never invite sinners to come." 
 
 " I think you should not dwell upon it, cer- 
 tainly, Louis, if it excites you in such a manner; 
 but why? — we know our free-will and the sove- 
 reignty of (iod are twined together so myste- 
 riously, that we cannot separate them. We feel 
 Ourselves responsible for our actions, and yet a 
 el something tells us a greater will than man's 
 orders all and turns all to His own purposes. 
 
 ' There's a Divinity that Bbapea our end* 
 l: >Ugh hew them as we will.' 
 
 I was very much struck with a beautiful view 
 of God's love and bis all-seeing foreknowledge 
 put forth in a public met tin- at which 1 was 
 present a short time ago. It was to this purport : 
 'The lost will always know and lament in vain 
 remorse their Buicidal indifference to God's prof- 
 fered mercy to all. The cry of each will be, " I 
 
 did it myself!" while, at the same tune, the 
 
 crown of the ransomed will he ever casl at the
 
 414 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Redeemer's feet, and their song shall be, " Not 
 unto us, O Lord, but unto Thy name be glory." 
 " Grace, grace ! " " He hath loved us with an 
 everlasting love, therefore with loving-kindness 
 hath He drawn us ! " ' The concluding observa- 
 tion of the speaker was thrillingly lovely. He 
 bade us notice that word of our Lord, ' When the 
 Son of Man shall sit on the throne of His glory, 
 and all nations shall be gathered together before 
 Him, He shall say to them on his right hand, 
 Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the king- 
 dom PREPARED FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF 
 
 the world ; but to them on the left He will say, 
 Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire, 
 prepared, not for you, but for the devil and 
 his angels/ "* 
 
 ■' Oh, Meredith ! " exclaimed Louis, starting 
 forward, " that word is worth ten thousand of gold 
 and silver. Oh ! surely the clear Word of God 
 has an answer for every doubt. I want nothing 
 more now. Surely, in His love, he permitted, 
 nay, sent you to point this out to me. I am so 
 thankful. A weight seems taken from my heart." 
 
 " I know all your anxiety by experience," said 
 Meredith, " and I suspect I have been much harder 
 of conviction than you, much longer in coming to 
 a knowledge of the truth. I was so rebellious, 
 
 * The above beautiful and animating remark was heard by 
 the writer from Dr. Cumming's lips, at a recent public meeting. 
 As the events of the story are supposed to take place a few years 
 back, the authority could not be quoted in the text.
 
 DASHWOOD PltloRV. 
 
 that I am often lost in wonderment at the patience 
 that bore with me, and saved me in spite of all. 
 Like yourself, I was violently opposed to the re- 
 ception of this doctrine from the conduct of some 
 of its extreme upholders. There Mas a large 
 family near my father's, who, in the long vacations 
 finding I was seriously disposed (that was dear 
 Dashwood's work), made much of me; and I was 
 in some danger of being puffed up, had it not been 
 for my remembrance of your happy home, and 
 the living epistle I had read there. They \i 
 
 tenters, and attended a large chapel in our 
 neighbourhood. There was very much in their 
 conversation that you mention; and finding, at 
 last, that I did not hold their views, I was deluged 
 with books, — sermons, memoirs, and antidott 
 all of which being presented or lent with 'a pur- 
 pose/ only made me the more violently opposed, 
 the hitter suggesting numbers of oppositions whieh 
 I should never otherwise have- thought of. It ■ 
 the Bible — the Bible alone, that convinced 
 long after." lie paused, as if a sorrowful re 
 lection had come over him. 
 
 " But did they live consistently ':" asked Louis. 
 
 "No; that was the great Btumbling-block to 
 ' Baid .Meredith, '-'lie- whole family regu- 
 larly went to chapel every Sunday, and to i 
 meetings in the week ; prayer-meetingi wew held 
 in the house. While the young people were 
 
 Children, t!uv attended all this; but as t hi- 1 
 
 grew up they became the wildest, mosl reck!
 
 416 DASI-HYOOD PRIORY. 
 
 depraved young men in the neighbourhood ; scof- 
 fers at religion and making mock at sin. There 
 was no wonder why, Louis. No tender parent's 
 love had taught them of the love of Christ ; of 
 the unerring signs of fellowship with Him. I 
 was much with them, both in childhood and vouth, 
 but never once in my hearing, and others remarked 
 the same, — never once were the parents known to 
 remind them that they sinned against God ; never 
 taught them to strive to enter the strait gate. 
 I have seen them severely punished for a fault, 
 often trifling ; but you will hardly believe that with 
 this, on no one occasion was the slightest allusion 
 made to the sin committed against God. Louis," 
 continued Meredith, after a pause, " God makes 
 the corn to grow, and orders that men shall build 
 themselves habitations, and work for their sub- 
 sistence ; but the corn must be sown, the building 
 must be raised by man's labour, the sustenance 
 sought; and the diligent hand makes rich. God 
 is the giver of all, and the sovereign disposer of 
 all ; but He chooses that ' man shall work, as if all 
 depended upon him, and pray, as if nothing depended 
 upon him. 3 " * 
 
 " That is exactly what I think," said Louis : 
 " there is the promise, ' What a man soweth, 
 that shall he also reap ;' and there is the command, 
 ' Strive to enter in at the strait gate/ f AVork while 
 it is called to-day.' " 
 
 " I once heard a dear old clergyman remark," 
 * Recollections of a remark in a sermon.
 
 DASHWOOD PBIORT. 117 
 
 continued Meredith, "one of the most spiritually- 
 minded Christians I ever beheld, ' / am a Cal- 
 cinist to-day and an Arminian to-morrow; I find 
 both in the Bible: " 
 
 " I need not ask you, after this morning's ser- 
 mou/' said Louis, "whether you think it right 
 to persuade and invite sinners to come to Christ." 
 
 A holy smile passed over Meredith's face as he 
 looked upwards. 
 
 " Shall man rebuke those whom Christ suffers 
 to come ? ' Come uuto Him all ye that labour. 
 Ho every one that thirsteth come ye to the waters. 
 The Spirit and the bride say come, and let him that 
 heareth say come, and whosoever will let him 
 come/ Read our Lord's sermon on the mount. 
 Read His declaration on the great day of the feast ; 
 read all the Acts of the Apostles through. How 
 did the Apostles preach ? ' Repent.' ' God callcth 
 upon all men everywhere to repent.' No, Louis ; 
 poor weak men, encompassed with infirmity, we 
 ought to have compassion on the ignorant, and 
 them who art out of the way. We are ambassa- 
 dors for Christ, to persuade men to lie reconciled 
 to God. As long us my God gives me a tongue 
 to proclaim, 1 will cry 'Comb. Free grace; re- 
 pentance, faith, an- all offered.' There is room 
 
 in the Saviour's arms for all. lie died for all." 
 
 "Meredith, this has been a blessed Sunday to 
 me," said Louis, holding OUl his hand to his friend, 
 
 which Meredith grasped warmly. " When I have 
 fancied sometimes that .Mr. Well- might Ik- right,
 
 418 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 my hands have seemed paralyzed ; I have felt I 
 should in such case feel like him, no interest in 
 missionary efforts or pastoral aid associations, or 
 anything by which the knowledge of Christ is 
 spread. Where would the heathen be, and where 
 should we have been, had the Apostles been of the 
 same mind ? Meredith, between High and Low 
 Church, I have heard and really thought little 
 lately about missions. I want to hear about your- 
 self. How is it you are leaving your friends and 
 home ? I used once to wish to be a missionary, 
 but lately I have either distrusted my powers, or 
 have been unwilling to leave all for Christ's sake. 
 When did you first think of it 1" 
 
 " Long ago/' replied Meredith, slowly ; " be- 
 fore — before I was married, Louis," he said, with 
 a spasmodic effort. " My dear Mary used to talk 
 of it with me, and we used to look forward to 
 going out together; but that was not to be. Our 
 Heavenly Father saw perhaps I made an idol of 
 her. It used to be such a dream," he continued, 
 in a thick voice. " It used to be such a dream to 
 bring her to Dashwood. Such a twelvemonth of 
 happiness could not last on earth ; but I never 
 thought of her removal." 
 
 "Dear Meredith," said Louis, "I did not mean 
 to touch on that again. I am very indiscreet. I 
 wish we had heard of this before." 
 
 " I yearned much for a Dashwood letter, though 
 I easily divined the cause of your silence," said 
 Meredith, when he had recovered himself; "but
 
 DASUW00D PRIORY. 419 
 
 I could not write myself, and I have been very 
 much occupied lately, for there has been much to 
 arrange. I should not have left England this 
 year perhaps, but an earnest appeal has been 
 made to me, knowing my intentions, to go to 
 Africa as early as possible. I could not hesitate, 
 and it has been mercifully ordered, I doubt not. 
 I trust I can say with Isaiah, ' Here I am, Lord, 
 send me;' but, Louis, you cannot tell how 
 precious every nook of that Rectory had become. 
 I do not think it was a morbid remembrance of 
 In!-, for indeed I would not call her back; bur 
 every thing, every room, almost every chair 
 reminds me of some sweet act of hers. It will 
 do me good to speak of her to you. You cannot 
 tell how she was beloved by high and low : so 
 sweet, so gentle-hearted, and so true, and yet so 
 bold in her Saviour's cause. What I owe to her 
 I cannot tell yon. A helpmate she was in I'wty 
 sense. So tender her conscience was, and though 
 loving; me so dcarlv, her love for her Redeemer was 
 where it shoul;! ever be, a thousand-fold beyond." 
 
 Meredith paused a moment, for his voice had 
 foiled. Presently he continued — 
 
 " They say, when a loved one is taken from US, 
 
 we are always blind to imperfections j but 1 never 
 
 saw any there, Louis: the knew and felt th 
 but the constant power of restraining grace over- 
 
 came them to mortal eyes. I wish you had 
 her. She \v:i> nut at all beautiful ; even m\ 
 
 Ibving eyes saw thai ; but do yon Know that halo 
 
 9 i "
 
 120 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 peace gives to the countenance, and that sort of 
 expression in the eyes as if they were looking 
 beyond, Louis?" 
 
 " I have noticed it in several Christians," replied 
 Louis. 
 
 " I never saw it in any one so strongly as 
 it was in my Mary/' continued Meredith, in a 
 low quick voice; "and she was always looking 
 beyond, ' looking to Jesus/ Truly of her it 
 might be said, ' He that findeth a wife, findeth a 
 good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.' 
 I remember so well, last summer, such a night as 
 this, we had finished all our Sabbath labours of 
 love, and both were tired ; she unusually so, sat, 
 as she often loved to sit, on a low stool, with her 
 arms and head on my knee. There is a lovely 
 view from my old home ; a wooded country for a 
 quarter of a mile, and the sea beyond. The sun 
 was setting, and the calm water reflected all its 
 colours. We watched its silent sinking below the 
 horizon, and the rising of the pale moon and 
 evening star. You know how lovely a time that 
 is ; it always seems to speak of heaven to me, and 
 so it did to Mary : perhaps she drew me more to 
 the observation of it. Suddenly she began to sing — 
 
 ' Awake and sing the song 
 Of Moses and the Lamb !' 
 
 I joined her ; and oh, how well I remember how 
 softly and how sweetly she sang two verses. She 
 broke off at the second, and said, ' I saw a sea of 
 glass mingled with fire, and them that had gotten
 
 DAS II WOOD PIUORY. 421 
 
 tlie victory over the beast, and over his image, 
 and over his mark, and over the number of his 
 name, Btand on the sea of glass, having the harps 
 of God ; and they sing the song of Moses, the 
 servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, say- 
 ing, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord 
 God Almighty ; just and true are Thy ways, Thou 
 king of saints! Who shall not fear Thee, () 
 Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art 
 holy/ Then she looked up at me and said, 
 ' Hastings, how many things in the Revelation I 
 am reminded of at these hours. How gracious 
 our blessed Teacher is to enable us to see Him in 
 His works. Sometimes when I think of all His 
 love to us both, I am afraid we should forget Him 
 in His many bounties/ And then she raised her- 
 self, and spoke so rapturously about the joy of 
 being always in God's presence — of the eternal 
 Sabbath we should spend together. I cannot tell 
 you how rapt her spirit seemed ; and now 1 
 alraosl wonder no fear stole over me that she w.- - 
 so lit for heaven, but there was no presentiment 
 
 in my mind how near she was to the eoiuinene. - 
 
 men! of that eternal Sabbath. 
 
 'A dumber < 1 i « 1 my spirits seal, 
 I had 1 1 • • human fears ; 
 
 sin- seemed a tiling that oould not feel 
 The touch ui earthly \ ears, 
 
 ***** 
 
 ' A \ iolel by ;i mossy stone, 
 Unit bidden From the eye, — 
 Fail • . w i" n only one 
 
 Is shining in the sky.'"
 
 422 DASHAVOOD PRIORY. 
 
 Meredith paused, and Louis did not break the 
 little silence. 
 
 " She said to me much that night," he con- 
 tinued, " about the second coming of Christ : 
 many things that took me back to Dashwood, 
 where I heard much of it. I did not know till 
 then how much she looked forward to that glorious 
 time, nor had I thought it a duty, as I have since 
 done, to keep it constantly before my people. 
 That blessed remembrance is indeed much lost 
 sight of. Well might our Lord say, ' When the 
 Son of man cometh, shall He find faith upon the 
 earth V Truly even the wise sleep. — Dear Mary, 
 I can recall now the earnestness of her manner 
 as she said, ' Hastings, that coming will take the 
 whole world by surprise ; we need constant com- 
 munion. I often feel a little afraid — Ave have so 
 happy a home — lest Ave should forget that Ave 
 have no continuing city here; and that solemn 
 injunction, " Watch and pray always, that ye may 
 be counted worthy to escape the things which 
 shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of 
 man." ' Then she put her dear hands together in 
 mine, and asked me to pray for us, that our love 
 for each other might not be a snare to us. Oh, 
 Louis ! how she held my hands up. They would 
 often have been wearied in well-doing." 
 
 " And she Avould say the same of you," said 
 Louis, in a faltering voice. 
 
 Another little pause of fond recollection, and 
 the mourner proceeded, —
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 423 
 
 " Just four months ago ; only four short 
 months, Louis : — you will know my happiness if 
 it ever pleases God to make you a father. — My 
 precious little girl ! my lamb in heaven." 
 
 "Oh, Meredith \" Louis' eyes were filled with 
 tears, " vour babv : I did not know vet the whole 
 of your trial." 
 
 " In a fortnight she was laid in our little 
 churchyard, Louis," said Meredith, bending hi^ 
 head down and speaking low ; " another fortnight. 
 and the mother was laid by her. Oh, Louis ! the 
 first was a great grief, but the last — I wonder," 
 he added, in a choking voice, " how the worldly 
 survive the loss of friends, when the children of 
 God require so much of such support. But the 
 strength was given according to the day. I often 
 wonder how I was enabled to be so cheerful, n hen 
 I knew I must give her up. Thank God!" he 
 said, reverentially looking upwards with Bwimming 
 eyes, " I believr I never murmured, inn- wished to 
 stay His hand. Thank God, though the head was 
 bent, I could lean it on His bosom ; and there 
 lie has wiped my tears again and again." 
 
 Louis drew his hand across his eyes, and both 
 were silent for several minutes. 
 
 "Ihave Been Beveral death-beds," s.ii.1 Mere- 
 dith at length, not heeding an effort of Louis t<> 
 stop him j "Ihave Been one or two happy ones, 
 
 and have read of many more, but 1 never heard Or 
 
 read of one more triumphant than my dear Man 
 
 Every comfort that could be given to a poor u<
 
 424 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 man in his hour of need was given to me then. 
 Once she turned her sweet eyes upon me as I 
 supported her head. ' Hastings, you will be so 
 lonely ? ' It was almost in the form of a question. 
 
 I You forget/ I said, ' my own one, He hath 
 said, " I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." ' 
 ' Alone, yet not alone/ she murmured ; ' both 
 separated, yet not alone ; both willing to part ? ' 
 she asked again so anxiously of me. ' Both willing 
 that the Father's will shall be done ; both rejoic- 
 ing in His love to them/ I answered. Oh ! Louis, 
 she looked so gratefully at me, and thanked me 
 so sweetly for the love I could not have refused ; 
 and many times I heard her murmur, ' And yet I 
 am not alone, for the Father is with me/ when 
 she almost always looked at me as if anxious 
 to know that I was resting on it, — dear one ! I 
 had wonderful strength given at that time. When 
 the last was over (she died in my arms), I felt at 
 first as if I could not mourn. We had rejoiced 
 together that she was going to her Father, and I 
 could only say with Mrs. Graham to her daughter, 
 
 I I wish you joy, my darling ! ' and it was not till 
 rest and recollection came, and that first awaken- 
 ing from a long deep sleep, that I realized the ful- 
 ness of my trouble ; that I knew the desire of my 
 eyes had gone from me. It seemed so strange to 
 kiss her cold lips, and feel no return ; to go among 
 our favourite haunts, and miss her : and, Louis, — 
 oh, Louis ! it was a comfort to me to remember 
 the ' strong crying ' of our beloved Lord, who is
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 425 
 
 afilicted in all the affliction of His people, for lie 
 has been tried iu all points as we are. The room 
 in which she died always seems the gate of heaven 
 to me. "What a meeting ours will be ! Instead 
 of sinking, I thank God I am now only strength- 
 ened in zeal, and burn to exalt His cause and 
 spread His kingdom, that so I may be enabled to 
 glorify Him in the fires, and press forward. I must 
 not look back, it is such gain to her. When I look 
 up, I feel only the Christian's triumph ; but when 
 we look down to the grave and all its dark ac- 
 companiments, the spirit fails. You will think of 
 me when I am away, Louis," he said, rising, "and 
 pray for me. I shall need all prayers ; and ' pray 
 that the Lord of the harvest will send forth more 
 labourers into His harvest.' " 
 
 Louis grasped Meredith's hand, and detained 
 him a moment. He could not speak at first, 
 though the brave spirit of his friend had infused 
 some of its exulting tone into his heart. 
 
 ".Meredith, you are a living witness of God's 
 power iu upholding His own in the day of trouble. 
 I have been very tearful, often fearing possible 
 afflictions. You have strengthened 1110." 
 
 Meredith pressed his hand. 
 
 " Never doubt His love or strength. 
 
 ' Tis Jefua, the lir-t and the 
 WboM Spirit thai! guide a * Mfe ln«mo ; 
 
 \\ • II prai e II im for nil thai i 
 And tract 1 1 im for ;i!l that'i t" oomo. 1 " 
 
 The friends parted. lis knelt long that
 
 425 DASHWCOD PRIORY. 
 
 night in prayer. There were many things to 
 bring before his God. Thanksgiving for the good 
 he had received that day, and earnest desires that 
 any error he might have propagated among the 
 people committed to his temporary care might not 
 take root; and petitions for the renewal of a con- 
 stant spirit and a right judgment in all things ; 
 forgiveness for his pride and anger against Mr. 
 Wells, for whom, as well as his dear friends, he 
 prayed that God would teach and keep them; 
 and oh ! how earnest were his resolves to undo, 
 if possible, in the parish any evil he might have 
 been the means of strengthening or spreading in 
 his mistaken zeal.
 
 DASHWOOD PEIORT. 427 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 " Then I saw in my dream, that in the morning the shep- 
 herds called up Christian and Hopeful, to walk with tliem upon 
 the mountains. So they went forth with them, and walked 
 awhile, having a pleasant prospect on every side. Then Baid 
 the .shepherds one to another, Shall we show thi se pilgrims some 
 wonders I So when they bad concluded to do it, they led them 
 first to the top of a hill called Error, which was very steep on 
 th farthest side, and bid them look down to the bottom. 
 So Christian and Hopeful looked down, and saw at the bottom 
 several men dashed all to pieces by a fall which they had from 
 the top. Then said Christian, What meaueth this ? * * * * 
 Then said the shepherds, Those that you see dashed in pieces 
 at the bottom of thi mountain are an example to others, to 
 take heed how they clamber too high, or how they come too 
 near the brink of this mountain." — Bwnyarit Pilgrim' » Progrett. 
 
 But this last resolve seemed beyond his power 
 to accomplish, fur the next evening Trevannion 
 returned. It is, alas! in our power to do evil by 
 our unguarded conduct and precept, the extent of 
 which may be incalculable, and the opportunity 
 of annulling it never be given. So Louis thought. 
 He could only hope in his sorrow, thai he had 
 not held these opinions Long enough, nor declared 
 them distinctly enough, to have made any impres- 
 sion; nor was he aware how much this was really 
 the case, through an overruling Providence; 
 that by his congregation he \\;is considered to be
 
 428 DAsnwoon priory. 
 
 entirely free from the errors of his vicar, while 
 there was so much true piety visible in all that 
 he did and said, that that only made its impres- 
 sion. Among the poor these erroneous doctrines 
 never make much way. They are not suited to 
 the poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked, to 
 those who have been brought up in sin and igno- 
 rance, and to those who have nothing in life to 
 make them love it ; they want something more 
 real and solid. The refined, the intellectual, the 
 poetical, the reverential, the seriously minded, the 
 man of taste, and the young, full of crude notions of 
 priestly authority, who love to magnify the clerical 
 office ; these, where there is no vital religion, may 
 be ready to embrace them : for there is something 
 wonderfully fascinating to human pride and under- 
 standing therein. And there may be some few of 
 God's own children who, through some mysterious 
 permission of the Almighty, partially embrace this 
 system; but we shall always find it is partial: 
 there is a something that ever betrays them as in 
 the corruption, but not of it : and such was 
 Nevinson. His education, his circumstances, had 
 all been different to Louis' ; and perhaps most of 
 those things on which they differed were but 
 words, and not matter. Louis w r as still learning 
 the same lessons he had been receiving for four- 
 teen years, — that though man may increase in age 
 and learning, he cannot stand alone. If he thinks 
 he stands, he will assuredly fall. If he lean on 
 human understanding, he and his prop will fall
 
 DASHWOOD PRIOHY. IM9 
 
 together, lie had also learned another useful 
 lesson from his own trials here, that "the wrath 
 of man Avorketh not the righteousness of God •" — 
 that "the servant of the Lord must not striw. 
 but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach in meek- 
 ness, instructing those Avho oppose themselves ;" 
 that however much we may differ on the subject 
 of man's free will, we are constrained to use every 
 power of persuasion, every talent for making our 
 Lessona lovely and pleasant; and above all, every 
 effort to make our lives speak, so that all men 
 shall take knowledge of us that we have been 
 with Jesus, and shall heed our words as those 
 which come from His disciples. 
 
 Meredith left E early on the Monday 
 
 morning, and as we have already said, Trevannion 
 returned in the evening. Louis remained a week 
 longer at E , during which time some unplea- 
 sant words passed between him and Trevannion ; 
 the latter at first desiring to secure Louis' services 
 altogether, and on Louis' open avowal of his 
 opposing sentiments, parting very coldly from 
 him. He was as angry as he ever allowed him- 
 self to be, on hearing of Meredith's preaching in 
 his church, as well as at the slight innovations 
 
 made during his absence;; and before Louis had 
 
 been a fortnight in his happy home, all Vfas 
 
 restored to more than its former state of cold 
 
 solemnity, and the church nearly emptied. Louis 
 
 had become again accustomed to his own old 
 
 duties, when one day a letter from NevinsOD
 
 430 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 
 
 arrived, informing him that Trevannion had begun 
 to teach the choristers the responses in Latin, 
 and had instituted a confessional in the church, 
 and that he (Nevinson) was so shocked at these 
 symptoms, that he had given up his curacy. Not 
 three weeks after, a paragraph in a London paper 
 announced the fact, that the Reverend Philip Tre- 
 vannion had seceded from the Church of England, 
 and had left E ■ for Rome. Another long- 
 letter from Nevinson followed this shortly. He 
 expressed himself much shocked at the conclusion 
 of Trevannion's career, and wrote very seriously 
 aud satisfactorily, informing Louis that he had 
 lately known so many perversions to Rome, that 
 it had set him thinking whether these High-church 
 principles were Bible principles ; and he had been 
 induced, after much prayer and examination, to 
 give up some of his prejudices and practices, still, 
 however, retaining the greatest reverence and love 
 for his own church. Louis thought often of, and 
 prayerfully for his old charge, longing to learn 
 whether the new appointment was satisfactorily 
 made in the most important respect, and thinking 
 painfully of the poor, large, dark population in 
 its courts and allevs, often in his anxictv crying 
 out, " Oh, send out Thy light and Thy truth." 
 
 Nearly two months after Trevannion's secession, 
 to his great astonishment, an offer of the living 
 to himself came from the trustees. Half-delighted, 
 half-afraid, Louis opened his heart to the Lord, 
 before even mentioning the contents of his letter
 
 DASHWOOD PKIOKY. 431 
 
 to his parents. After many earnest supplications 
 ibr guidance, he accepted the living, and not long 
 afterwards entered upon it, to the great delight of 
 his old people. And now he began many refor- 
 mations. There was no curtailing of the services, 
 for Louis loved them, and loved to invite others 
 to the house of God ; but the chancel was thrown 
 open, the choristers were divested of their sur- 
 plices, a new reading-desk erected on a line with 
 the pulpit, and the black robe substituted for the 
 surplice in the pulpit. Louis was not less careful 
 about the singing of the church than before, for 
 he rightly looked upon it as a very important part 
 of the worship ; but he endeavoured, and finally 
 in a measure succeeded, in establishing more con- 
 gregational singing. Missionary sermons were 
 now preached in the church, and efforts made to 
 create a spirit of zeal among the people for 
 assisting in the spreading of Christ's kingdom. 
 Quietly, but surely, hanging upon his God, did 
 Louis work, endeavouring to check display and 
 religious dissipation among his flock ; while he 
 strove, at the same time, to represent to them, 
 thai the people Christ has chosen are a peculiar 
 people, zealous of good works. These reforma- 
 tions and this activity were not, of COUrse, e fleeted 
 
 at once ; but we have the sure promise, and Louis 
 found it, that in due Beasou we shall reap, if we 
 faint not. 
 
 Louis in time established a kind of little lecture 
 or school-room in each court where a vacant room
 
 432 DASH WOOD PRIORY. 
 
 could be found, and endeavoured to rouse the 
 poor ignorant miserable ones to something better, 
 by mixing himself as far as he was able with them, 
 and showing that if he looked after their worldly 
 prosperity, it was with the hope of leading them 
 to something higher ; and that if the thought of 
 something higher had been absent, he could never 
 have considered their present wants. He much 
 desired to have his friend Nevinson with him ; but 
 that friend was now comfortably settled in his 
 native place, and after a time the vacant curacy 
 was filled by Hubert, a younger brother of Frank 
 Digby's, to whom Louis gave a title to orders. 
 
 About a twelvemonth after Louis' final depar- 
 ture from his childhood's home, the bells of 
 Dashwood Church rang merrily for a most im- 
 portant event, — the marriage of Miss Mortimer to 
 Edward Hamilton, Esq., barrister-at-law. Louis 
 was there to perform the ceremony ; and a gay 
 wedding it was ; but it was hard to say whether 
 tears or smiles prevailed at the departure of the 
 village darling, missed sadly as she would be in 
 hall and cottage. Reginald and Neville were 
 there, and Master Freddy performed the im- 
 portant office of groomsman to his brother-in-law. 
 To Louis especially the new relationship was an 
 event of unmixed satisfaction. 
 
 The last news from old friends was, that there 
 
 was a rumour at E and at Dashwood, that 
 
 Mr. Louis Mortimer was about to follow the
 
 DASHWOOD PRIORY. 133 
 
 example of his friend and new brother, and the 
 rumour daily gains credit that Miss Fanny Salis- 
 bury is the lady who lias promised to make our 
 hero happy, and to share with him the pleasant 
 cares of his beloved office. 
 
 Dashwood Priory has become a very quiet place. 
 Reginald left for the Cape almost immediately after 
 his sister's marriage. Neville is settled in London, 
 and only Freddy remains at home, to take the 
 place which Louis first filled, — that of his father's 
 curate. It is ever thus in this world; changes 
 and partings all come to remind us that we have 
 here no continuing city. Happy are they, who 
 seeking one to come, have laid up their treasures 
 where neither moth nor rust can corrupt, and 
 where thieves do not break through and steal. 
 
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