the flow of doctrine sets somewhat obliquely, to use his own words, and that this will not only do great injury of itself but will give a hold to the Puritan and the worldly members of the Church, and will throw back the progress of those principles which he considers are necessary to save the Church and the nation.

"Remember me kindly to all old friends, and believe me,

"Yours ever affectionately,

"A. B."

The Easter holidays had now arrived, and during them, Godfrey met with the discursive literary work of an eminent liberal writer of the day, in which much commiseration for friendless and inexperienced authors was lavished upon the deluded reader. Godfrey was delighted. Here was a man, indeed, who rose superior to literary jealousies, and to the indolence of gratified ambition. To him he would confide his treasure. With him he should be safe.

Full of hope Godfrey finished his poem at once, and wrote to the author in question for his aid. He begged him to take his work and correct its many faults, and putting himself entirely into his hands, and appealing to the promises of his

book, he asked in return for these and for his own confidence and deference the author's advice and The letter was anonymous, but a

patronage.

name was promised immediately upon the acknowledgment of the first communication. But post after post came into the neighbouring town where Godfrey had signed and dated his letter. Day after day went by, and there was no reply.

So the holidays passed by, and poor Godfrey returned in suspense and out of spirits to Athelling.

236

CHAPTER XIX.

Disappointment and Renewed Hope.

Then is not youth, as fancy tells,

Life's summer, prime of joy?
Ah no! for hopes too long delayed,
And feelings blasted or betrayed,
The fabled bliss destroy.

Remembrance.-SOUTHEY.

WHEN Godfrey arrived, gloomy news awaited him. The Doctor was truly sorry, but he was obliged to tell him that there would be no exhibition for him, as the holder of that which he had expected, could not obtain his testimonials for orders from the College. This was indeed a blow. Without help it was impossible that Godfrey could proceed to the University. All his plans seemed blighted. He wrote again to the liberal author, saying that his prospects depended upon his poem and again day after day he received

no reply and what made this more provoking was, that it was now too late to try for the prizes with any prospect of success, and opportunities of gaining knowledge had been thrown away; and Wilson would be grievously disappointed when he saw no result of all his labour, and of the interest which he had taken in him.

Urged by these thoughts, Godfrey set to and worked incessantly at the Essay and the Latin verse. He had not the heart now to write for the English Prize. There were but three weeks left, but during those three weeks he finished the two attempts, and sent them in with a heavy heart. He now felt almost ashamed of his poem. His ill success had lowered his spirits, so that he forgot his own good motives, and taxed himself with folly and conceit. During these dark days he wrote a full account of all his prospects, and even of his blighted plans, to Barrow. By the first post he received his answer; it ran thus :

"MY DEAR FRIEND,

"I knew of your disappointment about the exhibition, but I had no idea of its importance to you. At least, I had no notion that upon it your University education depended so entirely. I feel sure, therefore, that you will not think me

unkind in having said so little upon the subject before.

"I now write to ask of you a great favour, and I rely upon our friendship to obtain my request. If you will let me, I will resign my exhibition for you in July. I have now about £150 ayear of my own, and have books enough for the remainder of my career. You will therefore oblige me lastingly, if you will let me do this little service for you. However, before I act, I want you to come up this day three weeks, and to stand for the Scholarship. It is £70 a-year besides rooms and tutorage, and may lead to a fellowship. There are three vacancies, a very unusual number. The following is a sketch of the usual examinations.

"P.S. Pray make the promise of accepting the exhibition, and then you can go in for the scholarship quite calmly."

Godfrey was, as may be easily supposed, quite overpowered with this letter. He thanked GOD for such a friend, and asked His guidance. At