Waking from his reverie, he found that his letter would be too late for
the post, so he deferred it till Monday, and then wrote--

"Dear Miss Home--I enclose you a specimen of the herb Paris, which I
promised to procure for you, if I could find one in Barton Wood.
Julian was the actual discoverer, but has kindly allowed me to send it
in fulfilment of my promise; he is quite well, and we are all hoping
that you may hear in a day or two that he has got the Clerkland
scholarship. With kindest remembrances to Mrs Home and your
brothers, I remain, dear Miss Home, very truly yours, De Vayne."

Little did Violet dream that this commonplace note had given its author
such deep pleasure, and that before he despatched it he had kissed it a
thousand times for her sake, and because it was destined for her hand.

De Vayne would not have added the allusion to the Clerkland, but that
rumours were already gaining ground in Julian's favour. The universal
brilliancy of his earlier papers had already attracted considerable
attention, and from mysterious hints at the high table, De Vayne began
to gather almost with certainty that Julian was the successful
candidate. Similar reports from various quarters were rife among the
undergraduates, and were supposed to be traceable to competent
authorities.

Wednesday evening came, and next morning the result was to be made
known. As certainty approached, and suspense was nearly terminated,
Julian awaited his fate with sickening, almost with trembling anxiety.
At nine o'clock he knew that the paper on which was written the name of
the Clerkland scholar would be affixed to the senate-house door, but he
did not venture to go and read it. He knew that, if he were successful,
a hundred men would be eager to rush up to his rooms with the joyful
intelligence; if unsuccessful, he still trusted that he had one or two
friends sufficiently sincere to put an end to his painful anxiety by
telling him the news.

Nine o'clock struck. Oh, for the sound of some footstep on the stairs!
Many must know the result by this time. Julian's hopes were still high,
and he could not fail to hear of the numerous and seemingly
authoritative reports which had ascribed success to him. He pressed his
hands hard together, as he prayed that what was most for his welfare
might be granted to him, and thought what boundless delight success
would bring with it. What a joy it would be, above all, to write home