Edmund met him with a beaming countenance in the dining hall, not that he cared any more for Roland in his neat mourning suit, but it did please him to see his friend taking his seat among his fellows, in the garb of a gentleman. Who could have sent the shirts and handkerchiefs? but one kind friend could he think of, and that was Madeline Hamilton. He knew that whatever she desired, was granted to her by her indulgent father. It was pleasant to be thus remembered--but how humbling to Roland's pride, who longed to work for all his needs! Roland really loved his warm-hearted friend, Edmund Norris, but he saw that he was wasting both time and money. Night after night would he sit up until a late hour, indulging in card-playing and champagne. He was constantly resolving to change his course, but he had no power to put his resolutions into practice. The term was rapidly passing away, the time for examination drawing nigh, and Roland feared that his friend would utterly fail. Edmund was often late at chapel and recitation, and yawning and listless all day. Roland's mind was soon resolved as to duty. "Shall I see you this evening, Edmund, after supper, on the lawn?" said the faithful friend. "I will be there," was the reply. True to his promise, Roland awaited his coming. "I am aware what you have to say, Roland," said the young man; "you want to read me a lecture upon my evil ways; is it not so?" "I have no right to lecture you, Edmund; but I cannot see you ruining all your prospects, and throwing away every advantage, without remonstrance." "I know it is all true, Roland; but what is a fellow to do? Just as soon as I go to my room for study, three or four of my chums follow me, and there is no rest until I open my door, and then come the champagne and the cards, and night after night is spent in this way. I am always resolving, but can bring nothing good to pass." "Are you happy, Edmund? Does conscience acquit you? What would your father say! Can you bear to be disgraced at the close of the term?" Edmund bowed his head, and replied, "I am a miserable fellow! None of these things really satisfy me; but what can I do? I have too much money, Roland; I want to turn over a new leaf. I have a thought," and, taking his pocket-book out of his pocket, he continued, "take it, Roland; keep it for me; when I really need money, I will ask for it, and give a strict account." "Really, Edmund! that seems very much like a child." "Well, Roland, that is just what I am; a weak, spoiled child, and I must be treated as one; if I am to study, I must put it out of my power to waste my time." Roland took the trust smiling, and said, "You will not complain, Edmund, if I sometimes refuse your demands." "That is the bargain, Roland; I think that I can keep my promise." The young man really did close his doors upon all his idle friends, and commenced a new course.