'I had not indeed forgotten this time twelvemonth, and especially
that awful Sunday night when we stood round dear mamma's bed in such
misery. I never supposed at that time that we could ever be happy
and merry again, but yet it has been so with me; and though very
often the recollection of that night has come upon me, and the whole
scene in its misery has passed before me, I hope I have never
forgotten, that though a loss to us, it was a gain to her, and we
ought rather to be thankful than sorrowful.... By the bye, I do not
really want a book-case much, and you gave me the "Irish Stories,"
and I have not yet been sent up. I would rather not have a present,
unless the Doctor means to give me an exercise. Do not lay this down
to pride; but you know I was not sent up last half, and if this
passes, a blank again, I do not deserve any fresh presents.'


This piece of self-discipline was crowned by joyous notices of being
'sent up for good' and 'for play' in the next half; when also occurs
a letter showing a spirit of submission to a restriction not fully
understood:--


'Tuesday evening.

'My dearest Father,--Hearing that "Israel in Egypt" was to be
performed at Exeter Hall on Friday night, I went and asked my tutor
whether he had any objection to my running up that night to hear it,
and coming back the next morning, quite early at six. My tutor said
that, without any absurd feelings on the matter, he should not think