ar
distinction, even independently of his natural wish to justify the
general opinion of his abilities, and the eager ambition caused by the
formidable numbers of the other competitors. In short, at this time, to
obtain the Clerkland scholarship was the most prominent personal desire
in Julian's heart, and could some genius have suddenly offered him the
fulfilment of any one wish, this would undoubtedly have been the first
to spring to his lips. He looked with emulation, almost with envy, on
those who had won it before him; he almost knew by heart the list of
Clerkland scholars; and when he returned to Camford, constantly
discussed the chances of success in favour of the different candidates.
Do not blame him; his motives were all high and blameless, although he
at length turned over this thought so often in his mind as to recur to
it with almost selfish iteration, and to regard success in this
particular struggle as the one thing wanting to complete, or even to
create his happiness.

He could not refrain from mentioning it at home, although, for the sake
of preventing disappointment, he generally avoided dwelling on any of
his school or college struggles. Deprecating his own abilities, it made
him doubly anxious to find that not only did his Saint Werner's
contemporaries regard him as the favourite candidate, and bet upon him
in the sporting circles, (although Brogten furiously took the largest
odds against him), but, what was worse, his own family, always proud of
him, seemed to regard his triumph as certain. Thus circumstanced, and
most fondly avoiding every possibility of causing pain or disappointment
to that thrice-loved circle, of which he regarded himself as the natural
protector and head, he was more than ever determined to do his very
utmost to prevent failure, and give them the lasting pride and pleasure
which they would all receive by seeing his name in the public papers as
Clerkland scholar.

"Come, Julian, and let's have a row or a sail," said Cyril one morning
to him, as he sat at work. "Frank and I have nothing to do to-day."

"Not to-day, Cyril, my boy. I really must do some work; you know De
Vayne made me ride with him yesterday, and I've done very little the
last day or two."

"I wish I liked work as you do, Julian."

"It isn't only that I like work, (though I do)," said Julian; "but you
know a good deal depends on it."

"Oh! I know!" said Cyril; "you mean the Clerkland scholarship; but