For months nothing could rouse me from my unhappiness, and in indulging
it I dawdled more than ever. My prospects of a college life were
blighted, and I had not the energy to face business. But, as was always
the case, I could not for long together stick to anything; and in due
time I emerged from my wretchedness, an idle, dawdling youth, with no
object in life, no talents to recommend me, nothing to do.

It was deplorable, and my father was nearly heart-broken. Heroically he
strove to rouse me to activity, to interest me in some pursuit. He did
for me what I should have done for myself--sought occupation for me, and
spent days and days in his efforts to get me settled in life. At last
he succeeded in procuring a nomination to a somewhat lucrative
government clerkship; and, for the first time since I left Welford, my
father and mother and I were happy together. Despite all my demerits, I
was now within reach of a position which many a youth of greater ability
and steadier character might well have envied; and I believe I was
really thankful at my good fortune.

"I will go with you to-morrow," said my father, "when you have to appear
before the head of the department."

"All right," said I; "what time is it?"

"Half-past eleven."

"Well, I must meet you at the place, then, for I promised to see Evans
early in the morning."

"Better go to him to-day," said my mother; "it would be a thousand
pities to be late to-morrow."

"Oh, no fear of that," said I, laughing; "I've too good an eye to my own
interests."

Next morning I went to see Evans, and left him in good time to meet my
father at the stated hour. But an evil spirit of dawdling seized me as
I went. I stopped to gaze into shops, to chat with a passing
acquaintance, and to have my boots blacked. Forgetting the passage of
time altogether, I strolled leisurely along, stopping at the slightest
temptation, and prolonging my halts as if reluctant to advance, when
suddenly I heard the deep bell of Westminster clock chime a quarter. "A
quarter past eleven," thought I; "I must look sharp." And I did look
sharp, and reached the place of appointment out of breath. My father
was at the door. His face was clouded, and his hand trembled as he laid
it on my shoulder, and said, "Charlie, will _nothing_ save you from
ruin?"

"Ruin!" said I, in amazement; "what do you mean? What makes you so
late?"

"Late! it's not half-past yet; didn't you tell me half-pas