'Ah, Latimer! What can I send her? I must confess I would gladly send my whole library, if you would take it, in token of the happy days we have spent together in De Freston's Tower. And you will be there, Latimer, participating in the joy of such a scene and such a mind! Oh! how dull, how dark, how dismal, do these cloisters appear compared with my walk along my native banks, and Ellen De Freston's converse and company. Those were bright days, most bright and glorious days; I would I could be with you, but it cannot be! I must perform the duties I have undertaken. Speak a kind word for me to Ellen, and say that the scholar never forgets his instructress. Tell her she is as a polar star to my existence, and that the newly-discovered power of the needle and magnet points not more truly and constantly to each other than my regards to her.' 'Do you love her, Thomas? Will you commission me to tell her so? And shall I mention the matter to Lord De Freston?' 'No! no! no!' replied Wolsey, hastily. 'You must not say so much, not exactly that; that would not be what I would commission you to say to that beauteous creature. I am not in a condition of life yet to employ an ambassador for such a purpose. This, however, you may state--that I shall count it the happiest day of my life when we meet again.' 'I will repeat it for you, Wolsey, with all my heart. In the meantime, despair not. You have a great deal to do in the University; let it be done with vigor. I will speak you fairly to all your friends, and most fairly to the fairest.' 'You are indeed my friend, Latimer, in this, as all other cases. I have had all the honors Grocyn could heap upon me, through your recommendation, and how shall I repay you for your friendship?' 'Wait until I ask you, Thomas, and when I do, may it be such as you can perform. I have now to urge upon your friendship only to remember that I am constantly your friend.' 'When I forget that, may I forget father, mother, and friends; even Ellen De Freston herself; and as I can never do that, so can I never do the other.' And thus they parted. CHAPTER X. ELLEN AND HER SUITORS. Whilst Wolsey was pursuing his honorable career at Oxford, and paving his way to future fame, the maid of Freston Tower was not less honorably distinguishing herself for every amiable virtue. During the greater portion of the year, the graceful building was her daily resort. Not that she neglected the duties of society; for she became the ornament of De Freston's Hall, and was celebrated for her beauty, her learning, her piety, and accomplishments. There were few who really knew her but loved her. She was received, as she had every right to be, among the noblest and wealthiest of the land, and now that she had arrived at an age when the last trace of girlishness vanishes in the graces of womanhood, she commanded much homage.