to set those views before his pupils in an attractive form.
Theological topics dragged into the conversation at unexpected
moments, inquiries about their spiritual state, and long sermons
which had to be listened to under the dire obligation of
reproducing them in an epitome, fostered in the minds of some of
the boys a reaction against the outward manifestations of
religion;--a reaction which had already begun under the strict
system pursued in their respective homes. But, on the other hand,
Mr. Preston knew both how to teach his scholars, and when to
leave them to teach themselves. The eminent judge, who divided
grown men into two sharply defined and most uncomplimentary
categories, was accustomed to say that private schools made poor
creatures, and public schools sad dogs; but Mr. Preston succeeded
in giving a practical contradiction to Sir William Maine's
proposition. His pupils, who were limited to an average of a
dozen at a time, got far beyond their share of honours at the
university and of distinction in after life. George Stainforth, a
grandson of Sir Francis Baring, by his success at Cambridge was
the first to win the school an honourable name, which was more
than sustained by Henry Malden, now Greek Professor at University
College, London, and by Macaulay himself. Shelford was strongly
under the influence of the neighbouring university; an influence
which Mr. Preston, himself a fellow of Trinity, wisely
encouraged. The boys were penetrated with Cambridge ambitions and
ways of thought; and frequent visitors brought to the table,
where master and pupils dined in common, the freshest Cambridge
gossip of the graver sort.

Little Macaulay received much kindness from Dean Milner, the
President of Queen's College, then at the very summit of a