“‘But this is not the subject of which I wished to speak; it is of yourself. For the last ten years past, with us within these walls, you have been lectured enough, daily and hourly, hence I shall not inflict an oration upon you to-day, which is the most important of your life. “‘There is much in genius, but there is more in courageous industry. “‘You have done yourself credit while with us, and I doubt not your general conduct through life will be the same as that which has characterised you as a student. “‘Of your worldly prospects I know but little. “‘At twelve years you were placed in our hands by Lord Somers, who claims to be your uncle, with these words, “This boy, I leave with you to be educated for the King’s army; every cost will be defrayed by me. If he acquits himself with honour I will own him, if otherwise he shall never know me. In every instance, let him be taught to depend upon himself; for he has no expectations other than those he may, perhaps, derive from me.” “‘It seems very unnatural that an uncle should never have seen you for so long,’ continued the president, ‘if he is your uncle, but he never let you want for anything, which speaks well. As to his injunction about us teaching you to depend upon yourself, without having dreams of wealth, &c., I fully indorse; for it is my experience that those who look forward to, or are sure of inheriting riches, make very indifferent students. It is the poor lad, who has little or nought to expect, who sheds honour on his college in after life, for, having nothing but his own energy and talent to depend upon, he developes both at school, and the habits of industry and self reliance thus generally attained increase with age, and brings success as its necessary and natural reward.’ “Lawrence, with sword jingling by his side, took a field path to the ‘Willows,’ and as he gaily strode along, puffing a cigar, soon struck through the woods, and came within sight of the house, _from which a horseman had just then departed by another road_. “Colonel Temple met him at the door, and heartily shook him by the hand. ‘Allow me to congratulate you, my boy; you have got through it at last, with honour, and no one feels more pleasure than myself, for you have striven nobly for it.’ “‘I received your note, colonel, and——’ “‘My note?’ “‘Yes, uncle,’ said Lady Bray, opening the long window, and stepping on to the verandah, laughing, ‘_your_ note, I wrote it; don’t you remember? You don’t? Well, then, I wrote it on my own responsibility. I knew what a favourite you were with uncle, and as he had no company, I thought I would entice you up to the house to enliven him.’ “‘Oh, you rogue. I——’