that it was a
simple question of application to any,--his proud demeanor had its
source in a certain sense of self-reliance, and a haughty conviction
that the occasion had not come--might never come--to show the world the
great "stuff that was in him;" and thus, many a rumor ran, "Layton is
sorry for having taken to medicine; it can lead to nothing: at the Bar
he must have gained every eminence, entered Parliament, risen Heaven
knows to what or where. Layton cannot conceal his dissatisfaction with a
career of no high rewards." And thus they sought for the explanation of
that demeanor which hurt the pride of many and the sympathy of all.

Partly from the aggressive nature of the passion of self-esteem, never
satisfied if with each day it has not made further inroad, partly,
perhaps, from the estrangement of friends, wearied out by endless
pretensions, Layton at last lived utterly companionless and alone. His
habits of hard work made this the less remarkable; but stories were
soon abroad that he had abandoned himself to drink, and that the hours
believed to be passed in study were in reality spent in debauch and
intoxication. His appearance but unhappily gave some corroboration to
the rumor. He had grown careless in his dress, slouching in his walk;
his pale, thoughtful face was often flushed with a glow exercise never
gives; and his clear bright eye no longer met another's with boldness.
He neglected, besides, all his collegiate duties, his pupils rarely
could obtain sight of him, his class-room was always deserted, a
brief notice "that the Regius Professor was indisposed, and would not
lecture," remaining affixed to the door for the entire session.

While this once great reputation was thus crumbling away, there arose
another, and, the time considered, a far more dangerous imputation. It
was the terrible period of 1807, and men said that Layton was deep in
all the designs of the Emmet party. So completely was the insurrection
limited to men of the very humbler walks in life, so destitute was the
cause of all support from persons of station or influence, that it is
scarcely possible to picture the shock--almost passing belief--of the
world when this report began to gain currency and credit Were the public
to-morrow to learn that some great and trusted political leader was
found out to be secretly in the pay of France or Russia, it would not
excite more incredulous horror than at that day was caused by imputing
rebellio