“Since then, by her unhamper’d, up fame’s ladder I have scamper’d, And run through all our snug berths in a trice; I’ve been Bursar, Dean, Professor, Public Orator, Assessor, And sat on a commission once or twice. I’ve told quite different stories to the Liberals and Tories; I’ve snarl’d among the Radicals, “Retrench!” But I really should not wonder if my friend Lord Blood-and-Thunder, On the very next occasion, should transfer me to the Bench. So really let me beg you on _that_ portion of my tale, Will you kindly, will you kindly draw a veil, draw a veil? _Chorus._--Draw a veil! draw a veil!” When they were all back again in Oxford, even many terms afterwards, “Draw a veil” was always a sort of pass-word between them. A fortnight soon passed, and they travelled together to Paris. Here they parted, Frank going straight to Porchester, Edwards to Oxford. Frank had made a good start with his law reading, and, thanks to Edwards’ style of teaching, had thoroughly grasped all that he had touched, and what is more, liked his subjects. One practical point before passing to other scenes: his expenses were 50_l._;--35_l._ for railway fares, hotel bills, &c., 15_l._ to Edwards for tuition. CHAPTER VIII. IN THE THICK OF IT. Paul’s had no Law Lecturers, and Frank was therefore compelled to “put on a coach.” He accordingly wrote to Edwards, a week before term commenced, to arrange with him. Much to his surprise, the College offered to pay half the fee on his behalf, which after all was but fair, considering that he had to pay his College tuition fees, although there were no lectures for him. By Edwards’ advice he attended certain of the Law Professors’ Lectures, which were open to the University at large--in some cases on payment of 1_l._, in others free. Six hours in each week were spent at these, and three hours with Edwards; and with a daily average of four hours’ private reading he considered he was industrious. His degree seemed so far off. He would work more when the time was drawing nearer. So he consoled himself, and so the time went by.