“‘The Willows, July, 4 P.M.
“‘Edward Lawrence, Esq., M.A.
“‘Sir,—Uncle desires the pleasure of your company this evening to meet some mutual friends, and trusts that the fatigues of the day will not prevent you gratifying his wish.
“‘Your friend,
“‘Emma Bray.
“‘P.S.—I forgot to add that Cousin Clare is unwell. She went to the ‘Commencement’ this morning, and heard your oration, and was much pleased, as indeed all of us were. The heat and dust, however, were too much for her, and she was obliged to return home. Call early in the afternoon if you can, for we are all excessively dull and moping.’”
“‘Colonel Henry wishes to see you, Mr. Lawrence,” said a messenger, entering the room, ‘he is walking on the vine terrace.’
“‘Ah, Edward,’ said the President, shaking the young man heartily by the hand, ‘allow me to congratulate you upon your really excellent graduating speech.
“‘But this is not the subject of which I wished to speak; it is of yourself. For the last ten years past, with us within these walls, you have been lectured enough, daily and hourly, hence I shall not inflict an oration upon you to-day, which is the most important of your life.
“‘There is much in genius, but there is more in courageous industry.
“‘You have done yourself credit while with us, and I doubt not your general conduct through life will be the same as that which has characterised you as a student.