me talent and more ambition. She made her house
one of the most recherchee in London. Seldom seen at large assemblies,
she was eagerly sought after in the well winnowed soirees of the elect.
Her wealth, great as it was, seemed the least prominent ingredient
of her establishment. There was in it no uncalled for ostentation--no
purse-proud vulgarity--no cringing to great, and no patronizing
condescension to little people; even the Sunday newspapers could not
find fault with her, and the querulous wives of younger brothers could
only sneer and be silent.

"It is an excellent connexion," said my mother, when I told her of my
friendship with Reginald Glanville, "and will be of more use to you than
many of greater apparent consequence. Remember, my dear, that in all the
friends you make at present, you look to the advantage you can derive
from them hereafter; that is what we call knowledge of the world, and
it is to get the knowledge of the world that you are sent to a public
school."

I think, however, to my shame, that notwithstanding my mother's
instructions, very few prudential considerations were mingled with
my friendship for Reginald Glanville. I loved him with a warmth of
attachment, which has since surprised even myself.

He was of a very singular character: he used to wander by the river
in the bright days of summer, when all else were at play, without any
companion but his own thoughts; and these were tinged, even at that
early age, with a deep and impassioned melancholy. He was so reserved in
his manner, that it was looked upon as coldness or pride, and was repaid
as such by a pretty general dislike. Yet to those he loved, no one could
be more open and warm; more watchful to gratify others, more indifferent
to gratification for himself: an utter absence of all selfishness, and
an eager and active benevolence were indeed the distinguishing traits
of his character. I have seen him endure with a careless goodnature the
most provoking affronts from boys much less than himself; but directly
I, or any other of his immediate friends, was injured or aggrieved,
his anger was almost implacable. Although he was of a slight frame, yet
early exercise had brought strength to his muscles, and activity to his
limbs; and his skill in all athletic exercises whenever (which was but
rarely) he deigned to share them, gave alike confidence and success to
whatever enterprise his lion-like courage tempted him to dare.

Such, briefly