"He takes everything as if he had a right to it," observed a gentleman of the company who had been making some flattering speeches which seemed to hit no particular mark. "I don't know who has a better right," said the President. "He's not so brilliant as his brother," the gentleman went on. "Do you think so? That can only have been because you did not understand him," said the President equivocally. "He will never flash in the pan, I promise you." "But dang it, sir!" cried the other, "it _is_ a little extraordinary to see two brothers, out of the same family, for two years running, take the first honours over the head of the whole College. What is a man to think, sir?" "That the College has not graduated two young men with more honour to herself and them in any two years of my Presidency, sir. Allow me to introduce you to the fortunate father of these young gentlemen -- Mr. Landholm." This story Mr. Landholm used afterwards often to repeat, with infinite delight and exultation. Rufus was not at Shagarack at this time. Instead thereof came a letter. "Mannahatta, Aug. 26, 1812. "My dear Governor, "It has cost me more than I can tell you, that I have not been able to witness your triumph. Nothing could hinder my sharing it. I shared it even before I heard a word of it. I shared it all last week, while the scenes were enacting; but when papa's letter came, it made an old boy of me -- I would have thrown off my hat and hurrahed, if I had not been afraid to trust four walls with my feelings; and I finally took up with the safer indulgence of some very sweet tears. I told you it cost me a great deal to stay away from Shagarack. My sole reason for staying was, that it would have cost me more to go. The fact is, I had not the wherewithal -- a most stupid reason, but for that very cause, a reason that you cannot argue with. I am just clearing for the North -- but not, alas! your way -- and I _could_ not take out of my little funds what would carry me to Shagarack and back; and back I should have had to come. So I have lost what would have been one of the rare joys of my life. But I shall have another chance. -- This is but your _first_ degree, Governor; -- your initial step towards great things; and you are not one to lag by the way.