expected of him by his tutor. It shows how candid and sweet his
nature was, that, just as when he was a little fellow at Ottery, his
penitent letter should contain the rebuke he had received, without
resentment against anyone but himself:--

'Aunt has just called me down into the drawing-room and shown me my
character. I am stupefied at it; it is so shocking just when I most
wanted a good one on account of mamma's health. I am ashamed to say
that I can offer not the slightest excuse; my conduct on this
occasion has been very bad. I expect a severe reproof from you, and
pray do not send me any money, nor grant me the slightest [favour?].
Whilst ....., who has very little ability (uncle says), is, by
plodding on, getting credit, I, who (my tutor says) have abilities,
am wickedly neglecting and offending both my heavenly and earthly
Father by my bad use of them. Aunt called me into the drawing-room,
and very kindly showed me the excessive foolishness of my conduct;
but from this very moment I am determined that I will not lose a
moment, and we will see what the next three weeks will produce.'

Poor little fellow! his language is so strong that it is almost a
surprise to find that he was reproaching himself for no more heinous
fault than not having worked up to the full extent of his powers! He
kept his promise of diligence, and never again incurred reproof, but
was sent up for good again in November. His career through the
school was above the average, though not attaining to what was
expected from his capabilities; but the development of his nature was
slow, and therefore perhaps ultimately the more complete, and as yet
study for its own sake did not interest him; indeed, his mind was
singularly devoid of pleasure in classical subjects, though so alert
in other directions.