THE REMINISCENCES OF SIR HENRY HAWKINS.

(NOW LORD BRAMPTON.)


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CHAPTER I.

AT BEDFORD SCHOOL.


My father was a solicitor at Hitchin, and much esteemed in the county
of Hertford. He was also agent for many of the county families, with
whom he was in friendly intercourse. My mother was the daughter of
the respected Clerk of the Peace for Bedfordshire, a position of good
influence, which might be, and is occasionally, of great assistance
to a young man commencing his career at the Bar. To me it was of no
importance whatever.

My father had a large family, sons and daughters, of whom only two are
living. I mention this as an explanation of my early position when
straitened circumstances compelled a most rigid economy. During no
part of my educational career, either at school or in the Inn of Court
to which I belonged, had I anything but a small allowance from my
father. My life at home is as little worth telling as that of any